Leota Faye Anderson (Eliason)

Leota Faye (Eliason) Anderson passed away on March 15, 2018 in Lee’s Summit, MO. Leota, daughter of the late Warren H. and Ida C.(Staffanson) Eliason, was born in Malad City, Idaho. She grew up and completed high school in Leon, Iowa. On June 8, 1947 in Leon, Iowa, Leota married Dennis D. Anderson. Dennis worked for the Iowa Southern Utilities in Leon, Iowa, where he and Leota started their family, and worked together on their Eliason Dairy farm (affectionately known as Hillcrest). They later moved to Grinnell, Iowa where Leota was Director of Housekeeping at Grinnell College. At that time, she attended school to complete her LPN nursing degree at Marshalltown Community College in 1971. Shortly after graduation, Dennis & Leota moved to Independence, Missouri. Over the course of her career her passion was with the aging population. For eight years she worked at Independence Home Health Agency for the City of Independence where she became lifelong friends with her supervisor, LaDon Piepergerdes. When she was hired, during her interview LaDon said she wanted Leota because, “She would give this place some class!” Leota was beautiful inside and out with a Hollywood smile for all. Her family, as well as her church family, were very important to her. Affectionately called “Dode” by her grandchildren, she was frequently asked to give advice, help with illnesses and she was everyone's best friend. She was so very proud of her heritage in Montana and stayed strongly connected to her family there. She was a member of the South Crysler Restoration Church where she was very active and had many, many close friends. Surviving family members are her sons, Douglas (Linda) Anderson of Kingsville, MO, Gregory (Tina) Anderson of Independence, KS, grandchildren Michael (Sarah) Anderson, Kelly Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Scott (Janet) Anderson, Briana Anderson, Michael (Samantha) Anderson, Amanda (Jesse) Moley, Ida Anderson and 10 great grandchildren. Leota is preceded in death by her brother Donald Eliason and her husband Dennis. Visitation will be from 9-10 am Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A Celebration of life will follow at 10 am at the chapel.