Vida Fern “Vi” Anderson, 99, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Vi was born on April 9, 1926, in Morrowville, Kansas, to Robert Brown Long and Emelia M. Stettnisch Long. She carried with her the strong values of faith, hard work, and independence that defined much of her life.
On December 27, 1945, she married the love of her life, Arvid “Andy” Anderson. Together they built a life grounded in dedication to their family, their business, and their community. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter, Renee Lynn Muller, who was the joy of their lives.
In 1951, Vi and Andy opened Anderson’s Leather Shop, a well-known downtown business that they faithfully operated together for more than 58 years.
Vi played an integral role in the success of the store. She handled the advertising for the business on both television and radio, managed the buying, and took great pride in designing the store’s window displays, a creative outlet she truly enjoyed. She was also known for her skill in shaping and steaming cowboy hats to a perfect fit. Customers appreciated the care she took in helping them find exactly what they needed, and many returned year after year because of the personal attention and service she provided.
Through the shop, Vi and Andy became deeply connected to the community and were active supporters of local events, including area rodeos and church activities.
Vi was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where her faith remained an important part of her life.
Known for her strong work ethic and attention to detail, Vi poured her energy into both the business she helped build and the home she cared for with pride. After long days at the shop, she still made time to create a welcoming home for family and friends. Sundays often meant coffee ready and a fresh pie or cake on hand for whoever might stop by.
Vi also had a musical side and could play both the organ and the accordion, talents she occasionally shared at home with family.
Later in life, she found great joy tending to her garden and caring for the koi fish pond at the cattle ranch she and Andy loved.
Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid “Andy” Anderson; her parents, Robert B. Long and Emelia M. Stettnisch Long; and her siblings, Val, Loretta, Dorothy, Perce, Lorna, Laverne, Ivan, and Melvin.
She is survived by her daughter, Renee Lynn Muller (Uwe); her brother, Robert B. Long; her grandchildren, Ward Markley, Wade Markley (Jennifer), Rommy Wehle, and Tali Kulbeda (Michael); her ten great-grandchildren, Heather, Amber, Taylor, Averie, Brooklynn, Samara, Bennett, Karl, Jacob, and Lincoln; and one great-great-grandson, Daniel, along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.
A viewing will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5-8 p.m., and a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, both at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Burial will follow at the Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery in Morganville, Kansas, at 2:30 p.m.
Vi’s long life reflected dedication to family, faith, and community. Just weeks away from what would have been her 100th birthday, her nearly century-long life stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the deep love she shared with those around her. She will be remembered for her strength, her independence, and the legacy she leaves with those who knew and loved her.