Kenneth Anderson
Age - 87
November 28, 2023
Ken was born September in North Dakota to Arthur and Orris Anderson, the third of five children. He was raised on a small farm in Christine, ND where three generations gathered around the table for meals, everyone worked hard, and Sunday was honored as the Lord's Day. No matter what the weather, the family went to church; a lifelong commitment which was reflected in his love for his family, devotion to God, and his profound desire to serve others. While still in grade school, Ken met Janice L. Nellermoe and determined, even at that young age, to make her his bride. They married and had four daughters: Toni Lynne (deceased), Rebecca, Rochelle, and Tamalyn.
Ken began his college career at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. After receiving his degree in dentistry from the University of Minnesota in 1962, Ken served as a dentist in the US Army in Oklahoma from 1962-1964.
When Ken and Jan first set eyes on Camarillo, they fell in love with the area and moved their young family to town in 1964 before Camarillo became a city. Ken's private dental practice grew steadily because of his genuine care and concern for each patient. After nine years in solo practice, Ken joined Dewey Good and Don Arstein and formed the current Rosewood Dental practice. Even with a booming dental practice, Ken took plenty of time to coach his daughters in various sports, help them with 4-H animals, and teach them to snow/water ski, hike, and fish. Together with Jan, they raised strong, competent, and loving daughters who each realized how blessed they were to have such amazing parents.
Ken had an insatiable curiosity. He could and did spend hours reading the fine print under every museum artifact or painting. He poured over the Smithsonian and National Geographic magazines, took adult classes and asked endless questions of tour guides on trips. Ken and Jan enjoyed vacations with friends to Holland, China, Bolivia, South America, Antarctic, New Zealand, and Alaska. For several years Ken volunteered and traveled to Nicaragua to perform dental work on local residents. He was always serving others.
The community was enriched by Ken's participation on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, PV Lions Club, First Lutheran and then Peace Lutheran Church boards, and Santa Barbara/Ventura County Dental Association. Even in his mid-80's Ken eagerly signed up to pick fruit for Food Share on weekends.
Ken's zest for life and deep appreciation for nature is evident by his hiking much of the Pacific Crest Trail, scaling Mt Whitney (several times), traversing the Grand Canyon, and taking numerous hikes within the Smokey Mountains. He was continuously astounded by the beauty of God's creation and captured innumerable sunsets, flowers, and waterfalls in photos. After Ken was widowed in July of 2016, he found love a second time with Shirley Smithtro whom he married in September, 2018. They shared a deep faith and gratitude for every day of their lives together which included countless trips, golf, cruises, bridge, dancing, concerts, and friendships. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Jan, brothers, Art (Karen) and Ralph. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Becky Grossman (Scott), Chelle Smith (David), and Tammy Anderson, sister Linda Hestdalen (Gene), brother Loren Anderson (Terri), sister-in-law VonDel Anderson, seven grandchildren: Lindsay, Garrett (Erin), Mckenzie, Kelsea (David), Katarina, Matthew and Andrew (Casey), and three wonderful great-grandchildren: Ella, Oliver, and Jett.
Ken touched so many people in his 87 years. His brilliant smile and kindness to everyone will not be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00am at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. Internment and a reception will immediately follow the service. Live streaming video of the service and memorial page is available at mortuary's web site for Kenneth Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ken's favorite organization which he served for 58 years: PV Lions Club P. O Box 157, Camarillo 93010. Ken never lost his desire to serve others and always felt Lions do incredible work.Show more
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