Virginia L. Anderson

Virginia Leah Bulen Anderson, 85, of Missoula, passed away from natural causes. She was born Sept., 20, 1929, in St. Patrick Hospital and died there Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

She was born to Leon L. Bulen and Edna Virginia Bulen in Missoula. She grew up attending Paxson School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1947. She was active in drama, Camp Fire and Rainbow Girls and attended the Church of the Holy Spirit. She majored in arts and home economics at the University of Montana and graduated in 1951. She then earned a master's degree in science (textiles and clothing design) from Kansas State in 1957.

While teaching briefly in Ronan, she met and married William A. Anderson on May 9, 1954. She worked at Bitterroot Flower Shop for 18 years. She then became the CEO of Camp Fire Ponderosa Council. Four years later in 1982, her dreams came true when she opened Bitterroot Bridal and Formal Wear, which she owned and operated for 12 years, providing alterations and her personal touch to every bride before retiring.

She was an active member in Eastern Star Emanuel and Leona Chapters, on the board for the Rainbow Girls for many years and a life member of the Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers.

Virginia had many beloved friends and touched countless others through her gentle kindness. She was a natural teacher and inspired those around her to do their best. She was a master crafter and loved putting her many talents to work helping others. She created decorations and centerpieces for countless weddings and special events. She was an excellent painter, a master florist and had a hallmark as a silver smith. Her constant thoughtfulness, understanding and willingness to help in any way possible will be missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Anderson; their daughter, Ruth Myhre; and their two sons, Leon and Victor Anderson. She had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. The memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 126 Sixth St. E., at 11 a.m. with reception to follow. The burial site service will be at Missoula City Cemetery at 2 p.m.
Read Virginia Anderson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.