Community Remembers Christina Mae Anderson at Celebration of Life

Christina Mae “Chris” Anderson, aged 73, of Newton, Iowa, passed away on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, Jack Roy Anderson. Known for her joyful spirit and dedication to family, Chris leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by many.

Born on May 1, 1952, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, Chris was the daughter of Ray and Marylyn Pryor. She grew up in Des Moines, graduating from North High School before briefly attending AIB. On June 27, 1970, she married Jack in Des Moines, and together, they created a life filled with adventure, faith, and love for their family.

Chris enjoyed a successful career as an executive secretary at the Maytag Company, where her professionalism and dedication earned her deep respect from colleagues. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Newton, she served as church clerk, a role she approached with care and commitment.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chris was passionate about life. She and Jack shared a love for motorcycling, and she took pride in still holding her motorcycle license long after they stopped riding. Her athleticism shone through in her younger years as an accomplished roller skater, and she enjoyed biking along the scenic trails at Lake Red Rock.

Chris had a talent for collecting unique items, particularly Japanese artifacts, inspired by Jack’s military service in Japan. Above all, she cherished her family. She is survived by her husband, Jack; sons Joseph R. Anderson and C. Scott Anderson; grandsons M. Brix Anderson, Jaxon Anderson, and Joseph Looney; and granddaughter Alison Yvonna Anderson. Her extended family includes her “Aunt Nellie”, cousin Bobbi Bendt, and brothers Ray “Skip” Pryor, Kenneth Pryor, and David Pryor. She was preceded in death by her parents, uncle Donal Worthington, and sister-in-law Diane R. Babcock.

A celebration of Chris’s life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Newton, Iowa. The family will welcome guests for visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Following the service, attendees are invited to join Jack and the family for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Chris’s name to the First Baptist Church in Newton, ensuring her spirit of generosity and community service continues to thrive.