Irma Mae Anderson

Heaven gained the most beautiful soul as Irma Mae Anderson of Glencoe, KY entered into eternal rest on January 24 ^th , 2021, surrounded by her family.

Irma Mae Duvall was born in Frankfort, KY on June 11, 1921 to John William and Anna Mae Bridges Duvall. She was number six of eleven children. She grew up on a farm and lived through the Great Depression, laying the foundation for the challenges in her life to come. She completed school through the eighth grade, then stayed home to raise her four younger siblings. Irma got engaged to the love of her life in 1939 through a letter and ring in the mail sent from Iowa. Irma and LaMotte Lafayette Anderson were married on April 14 ^th , 1940. They went on to have three beautiful children: Larry, Brenda and Sheila.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents, nine of her ten siblings, husband, two of her three children: Larry LaMotte Anderson and Sheila Marie Greer, and 1 great-grandson, Ryan Poland. She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Lois Towles, one daughter, Brenda Masters (Jack), five grandchildren: Tammy Masters, Muriel (Curnie) Wilson, Cheryl (Brian) Richards, Rachel (David) Nance, Erika (David) Poland; five great-grandchildren: Sheila Wilson (Jeremy) Phillips, Shaun Gullion, Max Nance, Clayton (Cassie) Wilson, and Courtney (Greg) Humphries, two great-great grandchildren: Westlyn Gullion and Wyatt Phillips, her canine companion, Winky Dinky, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

On an eighth grade education, Irma went on to pass the board exam to become a licensed beautician. She had many clients whom she happily served in her home in Cincinnati, OH. Once “retired” Irma enjoyed being a snowbird to Florida where she spent her time at the flea markets and playing cards with her siblings and friends. It was in Florida where she discovered, well into her 70’s, that she had a true talent for pencil drawings and oil painting

Shortly after burying both her husband and daughter, she fought for custody of three of her granddaughters. After several years, she found herself raising Muriel, Rachel and Erika on the farm. In addition, she helped raise several of her nieces and nephews who spent part of their childhoods making memories and learning life lessons on the farm. In 1982 Irma opened the first emergency placement foster home for girls in Northern KY. Over a decade, Irma welcomed and reared 81 foster children, mostly teenage girls.

In 2000, Irma’s story was shared publicly and she was honored with “Owen County Mother of the Year.”

“Grandma” as everyone knew her was full of grit and grace. She was tough, yet gentle. Brave, yet humble. Those characteristics will live on through all the lives she touched.

Irma lived through more heartache in her lifetime than any one person should have to endure. Yet, she chose joy and Jesus. She would want you to do the same. The family wishes to thank Grandma’s special friend, Ms. Paula Haidet, as well as all of our friends who have poured out love and shared stories of our most precious Grandma during this time.

Donations in memory can be made to Pleasant Home Baptist Church c/o Cheryl Richards at 140 Richards Lane Glencoe, KY 41046.

Arrangements are being handled by McDonald and New Funeral Home in Owenton, KY. A walk-through visitation will be held at the Seminary Street Location from 12-2PM on Wednesday, January 27 ^th , 2021. Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral service will follow the visitation.