Blaine Jerome Anderson, 88, of Grants, New Mexico passed away on March 24, surrounded by loved ones, at the end of a hard-fought health battle.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at 10 A.M. at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Grants, NM, followed by a luncheon to celebrate Blaine’s life. For men, wearing a bolo tie in honor of Blaine would be much appreciated and enjoyed by his family.
Blaine was born on March 2, 1934 in Underwood, ND, the son of Ted and Evelyn Anderson. Throughout his childhood, he developed impressive physical strength and an incredible work ethic helping his family on farms and working on engines with his dad in Underwood. He always enjoyed his time with his five brothers and two sisters during childhood and beyond. After high school, he served in the Korean War. Once he completed his tour of duty, he started working for Western Contracting and met Dolores (Dolly), who served him breakfast at her family’s diner every morning. They were married from 1958 until Dolly’s death in 1994. With this marriage, Blaine became a step-father to Dick Eller and Blaine. Dolly welcomed daughters Sue and Barbara in 1959 and 1960, respectively. The family moved a lot due to Blaine’s work with Western, but Blaine always brought fun and laughs everywhere they went.
Blaine’s job at the Lee Ranch Mine brought one final move to Grants, New Mexico, where Blaine resided for the remainder of his life. In 1998, Blaine married Barbara (Bobbie). Over the past 24 years, Blaine and Bobbie created wonderful memories including traveling to see family and friends across the country and annually wintering in Yuma, AZ in their 5th wheel trailer.
Blaine had many interests and passions including his Catholic faith, spending time with family and friends, traveling the United States, always writing a wonderful Christmas letter detailing the previous year, walking (very fast!), eating good food (who knows how many 64 oz. steaks were consumed by him across America!), Lord Calvert Canadian whiskey, hunting deer, and watching NFL football.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Dolly; siblings: Dennis, Dwaine and Bob Anderson; and sister: Donna Mindt; grandchildren: Heidi and Chance Weaver.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara of Grants, NM; siblings: Jim Anderson (Kathie) of Oakdale, CA, Leo Anderson (Kathy) of Underwood, ND and Verdjie Emineth of Williston, ND; children: Susan Anderson (Steven Ambrose) of Westmont, IL, and Barbara Weaver (Virgil) of Red Bluff, CA,; Stepchildren: Dick Eller (Trudie) of Sonora, CA, Bonnie Perkins, Dottie Anderson, Fran Warr, and Jolyn Day (Dar) all of Salt Lake, UT; grandchildren: R.J. Weaver (Michelle) of Meridian, ID, Jordan Spillane (Andy) of Menomonee Falls, WI, Holly Geiger (Evan) of Red Bluff, CA, Corbett Ambrose of Westmont, IL, Kelsey Ambrose of Westmont, IL and Lang Weaver of Red Bluff, CA; Step-grandchildren: Paul Wilcox (Renee) Buena Park, CA, and David Wilcox (Julie) Jamestown, CA; 10 great-grandchildren: and Teddy, his beloved dog.Blaine will be missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Blaine’s memory to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grants, NM.