​Ardis Dawn Anderson, age 75, passed away suddenly and peacefully on April 21, 2024.  She was born on August 4, 1948, to Robert Charles and Vivian Gertrude (Brydges) Anderson in Fremont, Michigan.  Dawn was a cherished sister, aunt, and friend, known for her uplifting and supportive nature.

Dawn graduated from Grant High School in 1966, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Grand Valley State College (University) and a Master of Mathematics from Michigan State University before beginning her career in education.

Following graduate school, Dawn moved to St. Charles, Illinois where she dedicated over 35 years to teaching high school math at St. Charles High School.  Dawn was passionate about teaching others and supporting students, receiving numerous awards for her dedication, including the Edyth May Sliffe Award in 1995.  She also served in many extra-curricular roles, including coaching Math Club and Chess Club, and scoring for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams.  

In St. Charles, Dawn was an active member of the St. Charles Congregational United Church of Christ.  She loved theater and shopping, often going into Chicago to watch the latest show, some of them many times, or to peruse the aisles of Marshall Fields.  Dawn traveled the world with her close friends, going everywhere from Australia, China, Europe, and many places between and she loved to share the stories of her adventures.  

After she retired in 2005, Dawn returned to her family apple orchard in Grant and continued to share her love of math by tutoring many students from Grant High School and the surrounding communities.  Dawn’s love for math was only surpassed by her love for others.  She deeply loved her family, friends, and community.  Giving back to the community was important to Dawn and she was an active member of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Newaygo County Promise Zone, and the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ.  

Dawn leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law Ardith Lynne and David Robinson of Grant, Michigan; nephews and nieces Andrew and Sarah Robinson of Decatur, Georgia and Emily Robinson and Quincy Malone of Chicago, Illinois; great-niece and nephew Lydia and Alden Robinson; many cousins and innumerable friends across the country.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Charles and Vivian Gertrude (Brydges) Anderson; her aunt, Leatrice Dawn Brydges; and her great-niece, Hope Robinson.  Dawn’s legacy includes the beloved “Aunt Dawn’s Cookies,” a testament to her warmth and generosity.

A memorial service to celebrate Dawn’s life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ, 432 Quarterline Street, Newaygo, Michigan 49337, with interment at Ashland Center Cemetery, Grant, Michigan.  Visitation will occur at Fields McKinley Funeral Home, 45 E. Main Street, Grant, Michigan on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and before the service on Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ.  A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.  

For those seeking to honor Dawn’s memory, please consider the Newaygo County Heritage Museum Endowment Fund and the Grant Public Schools Endowment Fund, through the Fremont Area Community Foundation.