Obituary of Beverly Knorr Anderson

Beverly Knorr Anderson

September 20, 1951- November 26, 2024

Beverly Knorr Anderson, the eighth child of Walter and Cleo Knorr, graced the world with her presence on September 20, 1951, at the hospital in Olivia, MN. Born a fragile 3 lbs. 3 oz. preemie with cerebral palsy, Bev's early journey was marked by resilience. After spending a significant time in the hospital, she was lovingly welcomed home, cradled tenderly in a small shoe-box-like container, surrounded by the loving presence of her siblings.

Beverly was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Lake Lillian, MN. Her commitment to her faith was evident as she participated enthusiastically in Sunday School and all church activities alongside her family. Throughout her life, she found joy in sharing her devotion to the Lord, often reflecting on her spiritual journey.

Known for her feisty spirit and boundless energy, Bev faced challenges with determination, learning to walk with crutches and striving to keep pace with those

around her. Living at home between her treatments, she attended school alongside her siblings, ultimately graduating from Litchfield Public High School. Following graduation, Bev pursued her dreams at a business school in Denver, Colorado. Unfortunately, she had to return to Minnesota to be with her parents. During this time, she was accepted to The Courage Center, where she met her future husband, Eric Anderson.

In 1982, Eric and Bev welcomed their daughter, Alyssa, into the world, creating cherished memories of family adventures like rollerblading around Lake Harriet and camping at Devil’s Lake State Park. For many years, she dedicated herself to her work as a receptionist at Little Sisters of the Poor.

Bev’s heart truly loved when family surrounded her, and her face lit up with joy at their gatherings. An affectionate animal lover, she found great happiness in caring for her grandkitties or relishing the warm moments Potamus or Pumpkin spent nestled in her lap or cuddled in bed.

In her later years, Beverly thrived in the care of her wonderful caretakers—Fran Gallegos, Lois Baker, Candice, and Buck Melendez—who became like family to her. Together, they shared laughter, warmth, and the simple joys of life. Bev cherished her scented body wash and coordinating body spray, loving the feeling of freshness it brought her. Fondly, she recalled the gentle back scratches and massages from Buck, the delicious tortillas with chorizo made by Candice or Fran, and the delightful sleepovers spent with her granddaughter, Pheona, who brought her joy.

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Alyssa Ruff, her granddaughter, Pheona Ruff, and her former husband, Eric Anderson. She is also survived by her dear siblings, Judy Kemp, Faye (and Wilbur) Kemp, Clinton (and Diane) Knorr, Gayle Benage, brother-in-law Bob Lund, and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Bev is preceded in death by her devoted parents, Walter and Cleo Knorr; her brothers, George Henry (in infancy) and Kenneth Knorr, and her sister, Garnet Lund. She is also reunited in spirit with her brothers-in-law, George Kemp and Dexter Benage, and her sister-in-law, Kathy Knorr.