Arlene Anderson, second child born to Dr. and Mrs. Virgil Auchard of Lawrence, Kansas, on August 28, 1921, died on February 14, 2011, in Olathe, Kansas. A private family service was held. Interment, Monticello Cemetery, Shawnee, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association , 3846 West 75th Street, Overland Park, KS 66208. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.PenwellGabelOlathe.com. Arlene graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas with a Degree in Business. In 1943 she married John Anderson, Jr. of Olathe, Kansas. Arlene worked in business in Topeka and Olathe until she became the proud mothers of John III and twins, Kerry and David. Her husband John Anderson, Jr., served as Governor of Kansas from 1961 to 1965. During her tenure as Kansas' First Lady, Arlene was involved in renovating Cedar Crest and overseeing the move from the old Governor's Mansion to Cedar Crest. She worked with her husband to improve the public educational opportunities Kansas provides. Arlene and John represented Kansas during a trip to Japan to encourage commercial and agricultural associations, which continue to this day. Upon leaving the Governor's office in 1965, Arlene and John began life on a farm near Olathe. Arlene had a variety of interests. She was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter FL. She designed and oversaw the building of a summer cabin in Minnesota and inspired some of the best memories many of her family and friends have ever experienced. She played bridge with dear friends and treasured those times together. She was an avid, gifted quilter, showering her family and friends with her art. Those of us fortunate enough to use her quilts will always feel her loving arms around us. She loved animals and cared for more than one litter of barn kittens or a calf abandoned by its mother. Dogs were also a part of her family. She was a remarkable, loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of over 67 years, her three children, John III (Cathy), Kerry (Paul) Russell and David (Elizabeth), grandchildren, Philip Russell, Erin (Michael) McDonald, Shannon (Matthew) Hermsen, Kelsey Russell, Mary Anderson and Scott Russell and three great-grandsons, Stephen and Patrick McDonald and Nicolas Hermsen. She was a great lady and she will be deeply missed.
Published in Kansas City Star on February 18, 2011