Beloved Educator Shirley Ann Oltman Anderson Passes Away

News Summary

Chattanooga mourns the loss of Shirley Ann Oltman Anderson, a cherished educator and community member, who passed away at 90. Her legacy lives on through her family and work in education.

Shirley Ann Oltman Anderson Passes Away at 90 in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee – The community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Shirley Ann Oltman Anderson, who passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 23, 1934, Shirley lived a life filled with love, dedication, and a profound impact on those around her.

Early Life and Education

Shirley was the daughter of Paul Frederick Oltman and Elizabeth “Betty” Knappen Oltman, and she grew up with a younger brother, Paul Knappen Oltman, who was born four years later. She graduated from Grand Haven High School, showing early signs of academic promise. Pursuing her passion for education, she attended Ripon College and later graduated from The University of Michigan with a degree in Education/Special Education.

A Love Story Begins

While at the University of Michigan, she met the love of her life, Robert Keith Anderson, affectionately known as Bob. The couple tied the knot on January 26, 1957, beginning a beautiful journey together. They soon welcomed two sons into their family: Christopher Paul Anderson and Mark Robert Anderson.

Relocations and Family Life

Shirley and Bob’s adventure took them to Wilmington, Delaware, where their first two sons were born. In 1966, the family relocated to Signal Mountain, Tennessee, due to Bob’s job with DuPont. Chattanooga became the family’s new home, where their daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Lea Anderson (who is now Elizabeth Anderson Sheets), was born. They embraced life on Signal Mountain, nurturing their growing family and building lasting memories.

A Passion for Teaching and Community Involvement

Shortly after their marriage, Shirley began her career as a first-grade teacher, showcasing her commitment to education and child development. However, she took a brief hiatus before returning to the field in 1976, becoming a beloved preschool teacher at Signal Crest Preschool, where she worked for over 20 years. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom; she was actively involved with the Orange Grove Center, providing care for her son Mark, who had special needs.

Faith and Family

As a devoted member of the Signal Crest United Methodist Church, Shirley taught Sunday school classes and was deeply engaged in church activities. Her unwavering dedication as a mother was particularly evident in the way she loved and cared for her mentally handicapped son, Mark. Family played a central role in her life, and she was adored by her four grandchildren: Sarah Anderson Gill, Hunter Lee Anderson, Brinson Elizabeth Sheets, and Robert “Tommy” Thomas Sheets. Shirley cherished every moment spent playing with her grandchildren, baking, creating art, and sharing heartwarming stories with them.

A Loving Legacy

Shirley’s family continued to grow with the arrival of three great-granddaughters: Lillian “Lilly” Raye Gill, Hallie Hunter Anderson, and Eloise Kate Gill. While they brought immense joy to her life, Shirley also faced heartache with the loss of her great-granddaughter Grace Gill, who was born sleeping. Survived by her loving husband Bob, her brother Paul, children Chris (and Becky) and Betsy (and Tom), grandchildren Sarah, Hunter, Brinson, and Tommy, and great-grandchildren Lilly, Hallie, and Eloise, Shirley’s legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

Final Farewell

Visitation for friends and family will be held on February 23, from 1-3 p.m. at the Crest Center at Signal Crest United Methodist Church. Following the visitation, a celebration of life will take place at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary, allowing loved ones to share stories and cherish the memory of an incredible woman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be made to the Alexian Village of Tennessee Employee Scholarship Fund, ensuring that Shirley’s legacy of caring continues to inspire others. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel.

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Additional Resources

• Lane Funeral Home: Shirley Keyes Tribute
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Joiner Anderson: Ronald Ronnie Theron Anderson Obituary
• Google Search: Shirley Ann Oltman Anderson
• Knox News: Obituaries
• Google Scholar: Shirley Anderson
• Legacy: James Chambers Obituary
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
• Times Free Press: Ethan Davis & Maurice Shirley
• Google News: Chattanooga Tennessee