Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth (Betty) Clarke Anderson, Kerrville resident since 1978, passed away on January 16, 2016 at the age of 96 after a brief illness.\r\n \r\nShe was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1919 and attended Faulkner School for Girls until admitted to the University of Chicago. While in college in the 1930s, she began working as a photographer's model and subsequently became a radio personality with her own program regularly broadcast from the top floor of the Palmer House. In the fall of 1941, she was cast in one of the first television soap operas from Zenith Experimental Studios.\r\n \r\nHer career was cut short by the war, and she went to work in an Arkansas defense plant. Eventually, she relocated to Texas where she married E.M. (Tex) Anderson, her childhood sweetheart. They shared a wonderful 44 years together. \r\n \r\nDuring their marriage, in addition to ranching, Betty became a partner in the Collins of Texas handbag company. She also continued her interest in broadcast media, including serving as a KLRN public television personality. She was eventually elected to the Alamo Public Telecommunications Council, the governing board of KLRN-TV. \r\n \r\nAmong her other achievements, she became the first International Flying Farmer Queen, an international flower show judge, and more recently, she was crowned Mrs. Hill Country Senior Beauty Queen.\r\n \r\nDuring the 30 years prior to her death, she enjoyed serving as a volunteer at Peterson Hospital in Kerrville.\r\n\r\nShe was preceded in death by her husband, Tex Anderson; and her son, Peter M. Anderson.\r\n \r\nShe is survived by her children: Robert M. (Mac) Anderson (Jan), Donald M. Anderson (Cynthia), Jeffrey C. Anderson (Sherri), Andrew E. Anderson (Mario), and Gail Anderson Cowper (Ottis), together with 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.\r\n \r\nMemorial services will be held on Friday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 320 St. Peter's St, Kerrville, TX 78028. A reception will follow in the parish hall.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either KLRN-TV, PO Box 9, San Antonio, TX 78291-0009 or Peterson Regional Medical Center, 551 Hill Country Drive Kerrville, TX 78028.