McCLURE, Ill. -- Mary Ruth Anderson, 86, of McClure died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 17, 1921, in McClure, twin daughter of Moses and Dona Johnson Colyer. She and Earl Anderson were married March 27, 1943, in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death Aug. 11, 1989.

Anderson graduated from McClure Community High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill., in 1963.

She began her teaching career in 1939 at McClure Elementary School, later known as Shawnee School District No. 84, currently known as Shawnee South, retiring in June 1983. She taught 44 years in the school district.

Anderson was very active in numerous community projects. She was a lifetime member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, American Ex-Prisoners of War and Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 3455 of Anna, Ill. She was also a member of Woodmen of the World Society, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 900 of McClure and an active member of the Senior Learning Program of Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include a son, Russell W. Anderson and wife Edna of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Verna Hart of Bethalto, Ill.; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Anderson was preceded in death by her parents, a twin brother, three other brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Robert Smithey officiating.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel.

Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery, McClure.

Memorials may be made to Lindsey Cemetery Association.