Sharon Ann Anderson

Sharon Ann Anderson, age 81, passed away October 17th at Care Free Living’s memory care unit in Ely after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born in Rosendale, MN on June 18th, 1942, to Einer and Gertie Anderson. In the early 50’s, the family moved to Babbitt, MN to take part in the taconite boom.

Sharon attended Ely schools through the 11th grade and then graduated in 1960 with the first class of the then new Babbitt High School. She was proud to have helped write that school’s song.

While at Ely Junior College, Sharon met Terry Anderson of Tower-Soudan, MN. The two were married in Babbitt in November, 1963 and settled in Ely when Terry took a teaching job in the Ely schools in 1965. Sharon then graduated with honors from Bemidji State College. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women for a number of years.

Sharon spent many years as a substitute teacher and summer school teacher in the Ely school system. She also volunteered many hours as a Sunday School, vacation bible school, and release time teacher for Grace Lutheran Church where she was also active in many circles.

Anderson’s forte was art. She began painting in acrylics in the early 70s and shifted to watercolors by the 80s. Her paintings were popular items at local tourist shops and places like the Blueberry Festival. Her painting of the Pioneer Mine B-Shaft hung in Hardees for years and her mural of blueberries can still be seen on the propane tank of Grand Ely Lodge. Hundreds, if not thousands, of prints of the blueberries were distributed as well. The waterfall mural in between the clinic and hospital was also done by Sharon. She was an active supporter of the Ely Watercolor Club and a hands-on member of the Garden Club.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, brother Arlan Anderson, brother Leland Anderson, and several close cousins.

Sharon is survived by her husband of 59 years, Terry; son Dave Anderson and daughter-in-law Lori of Duluth, MN; daughter Cheryl Groth and son-in-law Ron of Baldwin, WI; grandson Joe Anderson of Cotton, MN; granddaughter Shanna Anderson of Proctor, MN; grandson Dr. Ben Groth PhD of Columbia, MO; brother Gene Anderson of Bloomington, MN; brother Lowell Anderson and spouse Kay of Garfield, MN, sister-in-law Ginny Anderson of Ohio, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Ely Bloomenson Hospital, Essentia Hospice, Care Free Living of Ely and Babbitt for making Sharon’s last years comfortable. Final arrangements are being made by Kerntz Funeral Home. Memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, Sharon’s friends are encouraged to donate to Alzheimer’s research, art scholarships, or a charity of their choosing