Lillian Lorain Anderson, 100, of Hoopeston, formerly of Milford, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Autumn Fields Assisted Living, where she had resided for the past 8 ½ years. Lillian was born on January 27, 1926, in Wellington, Illinois, the daughter of Julius and Tillie (Johnson) Carlson. She married John C. Anderson on July 13, 1946.
She is survived by her son, Daniel J. Anderson, and daughter-in-law, Diane (Mitchell) Anderson, of Milford; two grandsons, Jon of Milford and Andrew (Rebecca) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Leah.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; four sisters, Louise Hodge, Esther Webb, Irene Carlson, and Mary Lou Means; and two brothers, Lloyd Carlson and John Carlson.
Lillian graduated from Wellington High School in 1944. Following graduation, she worked for State Farm in Bloomington, Illinois, for two years. After marrying John, the couple farmed in the Milford area for 50 years. She always had coffee brewing and homemade sweet rolls ready for anyone who stopped by.
Lillian was a devoted member of Milford United Methodist Church, where she attended Bible study for many years. She was also active in the Household Science Club, Senior Women's Club, Poetry Club, an early morning swimming group, and several other community organizations throughout her life.
Her many hobbies included making and sending handmade cards, painting, crocheting, sewing, baking Swedish rye bread, and making scratch pads. She also enjoyed sharing her apron collection with organizations throughout Iroquois County. Lillian was proud of her Swedish heritage and traveled to Sweden to visit relatives. One of her greatest joys was preparing lunch every Thursday for her grandson, Jon, where they visited and shared stories together.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating with the burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Milford Park & Pool, IMH Hospice, or The Arc of Iroquois County in Watseka.
Please share a memory of Lillian at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
