Rosellyn Faler Anderson Witer
Rosellyn Faler Anderson Witer, age 92, of Bakersfield, CA passed away peacefully on Sept. 28, 2023. She was born on Nov. 5, 1930, in Flint to Ralph and Martha Faler (nee Goheen). Rose was preceded in death by her parents, beloved sister Elaine Klender, brothers Bud and Walt Faler, and husbands Richard “Dick” Anderson and Stanley Witer. In childhood, she was a fun-loving bookworm who learned many life lessons at her industrious mother’s knee. Rosie’s early and life long appreciation of nature was fostered by her childhood on the family farm in Rhodes, Bentley Twp. After graduating from Beecher High School in 1949, she married and with three young children the family relocated to Mt. Morris. As a young mother, Rosellyn continued her education at Mott Community College and graduated from Eastern Michigan University to become an elementary teacher in Mt. Morris and a Reading Specialist in Westwood Heights. Widowed in 1968, she raised her family and moved closer to her mother in Gladwin.
Rose earned a Master’s Degree in Reading from EMU in 1975, continued teaching in Gladwin Community Schools, and took on increased leadership roles at both the school and within her union. She was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. Rose met and married Stanley Witer in Gladwin, in 1976. They shared many happy years and world travels together enjoying their favorite hobbies bird watching and fly fishing until his death in 2000. Rose then moved to Bakersfield to be closer to her California family. She was active in the local chapter of P.E.O. International, a practitioner in the Center for Spiritual Living, and a lifelong, avid reader and birder. She was a dynamic woman, a patron of the arts, engaged in progressive politics, and a spiritual seeker throughout her life.
Rose is survived by her son, Glenn, and daughter-inlaw, Debbi Anderson; son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law Gail Anderson; and daughter, Elaine, and son-in-law, Doug White; as well as granddaughters, Star Ross (Lee), Jewell Anderson, and Autumn Boatwright (Richard); and great-grandchildren, Keeley Ross and Owen Boatwright. All who knew and loved Rose, and were lucky enough to be loved by her, will miss her generous spirit and infinite wisdom. Mom, Gramma – we know the birds are still talking to you, and sometimes we’re still lucky enough to hear you in their song.