Lois Anne Anderson

Lois Anne Anderson, 94, died Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Paramount Community Living and Rehab in Newton, Kansas. She was born November 8, 1931, in Wuhu, China to her missionary parents Paul G. and Helen (Wolf) Hayes. Lois was born in China but came to the United States in 1935 when her parents completed their missionary assignments in China. By the young age of 3, Lois had already traveled 4 continents including Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Lois would later add South America to her continent tally, traveling a total of 5 continents.

Lois spent her early years in North Dakota and Minnesota and graduated from Bismarck High School in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1949. On May 30, 1953, she married Jay W. Anderson at The First Methodist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Lois earned her undergraduate BA degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota and a BS degree from New Haven State Teachers College (later Southern Connecticut State College). Mom worked various jobs and taught second grade in New Haven, Connecticut while Jay attended Yale Divinity School. Lois taught elementary school in Ashland and Lyons Kansas and was head of the volunteers at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, Kansas. One of the greatest joys in Lois’s life was traveling. Lois had the privilege of traveling the world with Jay for both fun and mission trips. Israel, China and Kazakhstan were three especially memorable trips they took.

They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Newton where Lois with her husband Jay enthusiastically served in many capacities through the years, including mission work. Lois sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and was a member of various United Methodist Church circles. She held leadership positions in PEO, enjoyed DAR, and held an annual Holiday Open House around Christmas time.

Lois loved spending time with her loving husband Jay and daughters Cathy Sullivan, Lori Stephens and Julie Murray; grandchildren Reuben and Will Sullivan; Ben Stephens and Emily Bryant; Michael and Matthew Murray. Lois and Jay have 6 great grandchildren Savanna, Ethan, Ellie and Sara Lois Jayne Bryant; and Max and Luke Murray.

Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Kim Andrews presiding. Private family interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas, following the Celebration of Life service. The family will greet friends at a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church following the graveside service. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114.