THE PLAINS- Glenva Evelyn “Babe” Anderson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Lindley Inn, The Plains, Ohio on Friday, July 12, 2024.
She was born in Cottageville, West Virginia on September 3, 1933, the third child of the late Lawrence and Clara Hunt. Glenva always enjoyed telling the story of her nickname which she acquired because her mother could not think of a name that was special enough for her. She became known as Baby Sister, which was then shortened to “Babe.” Eventually, her parents came up with the name, Glenva, which she had to spell and pronounce for everyone for the rest of her life. Thankfully, her friends and family just called her “Babe.”
Babe attended Ripley High School where she met her husband of 63 years, Don R. Anderson. After attending Marshall University in Huntington, WV for three years, she married Don and joined him at Ohio University where she became a student. Her education was rudely interrupted by the birth of their first daughter, Deborah, but Babe then completed her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Eventually, three more children arrived. Larry, Clara, and Glen completed the roster of Anderson children.
She taught middle school English at Chauncey Dover and the Athens Middle School for 24 years. How she managed to teach 7th grade English for all those years, one can only imagine. During those years, she was often seen grading book reports and grammar tests and heard sharing stories of the challenges of preadolescence. Many of those stories were probably shared at meetings of the Southeastern Ohio Retired Teachers Association where she and Don had been active members.
Babe was a member and served as the treasurer of the Chauncey Christian Church for over 50 years. She was a loving mother and excellent homemaker who worked tirelessly to help her children and create opportunities for family gatherings. Many of those gatherings occurred on the Ohio River where the family enjoyed camping and boating. She was an avid birdwatcher and flower gardener, often educating her family on the names of birds that visited her feeder and the heirloom variety of flowers in her garden. Babe, along with her husband, were caretakers of many beloved cats and dogs.
In addition to her parents, Glenva was preceded in death by her husband, Don in 2017 and her two brothers, Alvin and Clinton Hunt. She is survived by four children: daughters, Deborah Anderson (David) and Clara Wyant (Ken); sons, Larry Anderson and Glen Anderson (Lori); three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the caring and friendly staff of the Lindley Inn for helping Babe to make it her home during the past two years and for welcoming the family during visits with her. To the Ohio Health Hospice staff, we are eternally grateful for the care and attention provided during the past year of her life and especially during the final weeks.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral home, Athens. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Babe’s memory to Ohio Health Hospice, 444 W. Union Street, Suite C, Athens, Ohio 45701.
