Gerldine Pooley Woodward Anderson passed away to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on February 23, 2026, in Custer, SD. She was born in Fedora, SD on June 27, 1925, to Will and Mazie Pooley. Her family moved to Dupree, SD, when she was 2 years old. She was number 7 in a family of 11 children.

Gerldine married Beverly Woodward October 14, 1940. They had three girls and four boys, Colleen; Carleen; Patsy (Bill Anderson); Jerry (Peggy); Bill (Jenilee); Jess (Connie) and Buck (Cathy). Beverly passed away May 14, 1958, at the age of 39 of a heart attack leaving Gerldine to raise their seven children.

Gerldine worked for the Custer Bakery, Jack and Jill Grocery, Tennyson Drug Store, Rocket Motel and as a teacher’s aide at 4-Mile School.

She married William (Bill) Anderson, November 23, 1963. In 1979 they moved to Newcastle, Wyoming. Bill worked for Jacob Ranch Coal Mine near Wright, WY. Gerldine had 22 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-great grandchildren.

Gerldine had several surgeries, cancer twice and two major strokes. With the help of her husband, Bill, she was able to start walking again. They walked four miles every day. They were a common sight walking the streets of Newcastle for over 35 years.

She loved doing ceramics and gave her carefully crafted pieces to her family. She also collected Seraphim angels.

Gerldine always said a big family is what made life worthwhile and filled her with happiness. She was always thankful to our Heavenly Father for a wonderful life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; six brothers; two husbands (Beverly Woodward and Bill Anderson) and one son (Jess Woodward).

Services will be March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD with Rev. Bill Haley officiating. A luncheon will be served at the Custer County Library, Pine Room, after the burial in the Custer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be given to the Little Country Church at Four Corners, WY where she and Bill were long-time members.