Mona Anders

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mona Kay Anders was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. A faithful servant of Jesus, she passed away on February 12, 2025, at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.

Mona was born on October 19, 1958, in Neosho, MO, to Rachel Stephens and Gerald Stephens. The oldest of three daughters, she shared a close bond with her sisters. As children, the girls were often found huddled together in a fit of laughter, which continued into adulthood.

 

After graduating from McDonald County High School in 1977, Mona married her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Robert Anders, on November 25, 1977. She would continue to be Bill’s “girlfriend” for 47 more years.

Mona’s two beautiful daughters were the center of her world. She loved being a mother, and her kindness, calm demeanor, and sensitivity to their needs made her a remarkable one. Later she became a “Grammy” to her two grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She always made an effort to attend every school or church event, game, and performance.

Having worked as a secretary and library aide at several elementary schools and volunteered for Vacation Bible School at church, Mona gravitated toward children. She had a special way of making every child feel seen and important. They loved “Miss Mona!”

She could turn any recipe into a culinary masterpiece and once owned a bakery and a catering business called The Tasty Shoppe. Mona shared her gift of cooking with family and friends, making them delicious meals and desserts for special occasions, including the most creative and exquisitely decorated birthday cakes.

Mona was known for her sense of humor and contagious laugh. In addition to her sweet disposition, she was incredibly thoughtful and the best listener, giving each person her full attention. Her genuine care for others was evident in every facet of her life, especially among her family, who will dearly miss her hugs.

 

Mona is survived by her husband: William “Bill” Anders; her children: Samantha Williams and husband, Brian, and Shelby Larkin and husband, Ryan; her grandchildren: Cooper Larkin and Tessa Larkin; her mother-in-law: Wanda Alexander; her sisters and siblings-in-law: Dianne Renkoski and husband, Luke; Theresa Schneider and husband, Keith; Chris Anders and wife, Edith; Christine Dunsworth and husband, Ewell; Melvin Anders and wife, Judy; and John Alexander and wife, Carlette; and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel Stephens.

A Celebration of Mona’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Buffalo Creek Baptist Church in Tiff City, MO. Contributions in memory of Mona can be made to the VBS fund at Buffalo Creek Baptist Church (1475 N Hwy 43, Tiff City, MO 64868).