Margaret Ruth Anderson

Margaret Ruth Anderson, 86, of Lufkin, passed away on July 13, 2015 at Pinecrest Retirement Community. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., Friday July 17, 2015, at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin. Officiating will be Chaplain Roy D. Hall. Margaret Ruth Anderson was born November 6, 1928 in Sherman, Texas to parents Louise McGehee McClendon and William Mathis McClendon. She attended Tyler High School, Tyler Junior College, and SMU. When visiting Lufkin for the summer she met the love of her life Billy Mack Anderson. They married and began their family having two daughters, Linda and Cindy. After living in Houston for five years they returned to make Lufkin their home. Margaret completed her education at Stephen F. Austin University receiving a BA degree in education in 1958. She began her 31 year teaching career in 1959 with Lufkin Independent School District, teaching 14 years at Kurth Elementary and 17 years at Brookhollow Elementary. Margaret loved teaching Fourth Grade and she was admired and respected by her students and their parents. Lifelong friendships were forged among her fellow teachers and her friends at Lufkin First Baptist Church where she was a member. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma from 1965 until her retirement in May of 1990. After retirement, a new chapter in her life began as she and Billy Mack began traveling in their motor home over a time of 14 years. Special trips were the ones when her daughters and grandchildren traveled with them. Her grandest delight was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mammaw always created every opportunity to provide love, lessons, nurturing, adventure and support to her grandchildren. Margaret was always in the presence of her devoted and nurturing husband and companion, Billy Mack for 66 years. Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Billy Mack Anderson; her children, Linda Claybar and husband, Brown of Orange and Cindy Henderson of Lufkin; grandchildren, Warren Claybar and wife, Brandi of Beaumont, Sarah Nanick and husband, Chuck of The Woodlands, Brittain Griffith and wife, Jennifer of Hockley, Carson Griffith of Hudson, and Reagan Griffith and wife, Christa of Houston; and eleven great-grandchildren, Jett and Jessie Claybar, Jack and Lucy LaTour, Lila Brown Nanick, and Gavin, Lyle, Harper, Emrie, Halle, and Addie Griffith. The family wants to thank the staff of the Pinecrest Retirement Community and Hospice in the Pines for their care and compassion. We extend appreciation to friends of Lufkin First Baptist Church for the continual flowers, cards and visits during the years of convalescing. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimer’s Association 304 North Raguet Street Lufkin Texas 75904; Hospice in the Pines 1504 W. Frank Avenue Lufkin Texas 75904; Lufkin ISD Education Foundation P.O. Box 153307 Lufkin Texas 75915-3307; or, the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors