Mercedes E. Anderson Monson

Mercedes Earlene O’Brien Anderson Monson (also known as Mercedes Anderson and Mercedes Monson), and lovingly called “Merky” by family and friends, 103, of the Quad Cities, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 (her first husband’s birthday), at Friendship Manor, surrounded by love and family.

Merky was born in Viola, Illinois, on July 12, 1922, and lived through more than a century of remarkable change, love, loss, and resilience. She was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Anson O’Brien, and her three sisters: Pauline Davis, Virginia Noyd, and Barbara Bubon.

During the Great Depression, Merky learned the values of perseverance and resourcefulness— traits that guided her throughout her long life. In 1942, she married Frank Willard “Andy” Anderson in Reno, Nevada. Frank was a proud Navy Seabee who served his country during World War II. While Frank was away at war, Merky contributed to the war effort by working at Service Rubber, making boots for soldiers. Years after Frank returned home, the couple welcomed their son, Terry Lee Anderson, in 1949. They also experienced the heartbreak of losing their infant daughter after only a few days of life.

Merky and Frank built their home—and their story—in the Quad Cities, where she lived and worked her entire life. Merky held several jobs over the years, but especially cherished her 18 years working as an office manager for Dr. Robert Flatley. She loved spending time with her extended family, the Cregers—especially her cousin Bette Smear—as well as close family friends, the Marilynn Bustard family. She also worked at Bustard’s Apple House for a number of years. Her cherished partner, Frank, passed away in 1985, after more than 43 years of marriage.

In the years that followed, Merky found love again with her high school sweetheart, Lyle Monson. The two were married in 1990 and shared twelve joyous, travel-filled years before Lyle’s passing in 2002.

Merky was deeply devoted to her family and took pride in her role as the family matriarch. Her greatest joys in life came from her family: her son, Terry Anderson (Heidi) of Bayfield, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Lucia Anderson Weathers (Kyle) of Whitestown, Indiana, and Nick Anderson (Shraddha) of Oakland, California; her great-granddaughters, Madilyn and Noelle Weathers; and her soon-to-be-born grandchildren in California. She also shared a special, close bond with her beloved niece, Candace “Candy” Bubon Egger (Ron) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

Even in her later years, Merky’s wit and awareness never faded. She spent the last eight years at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois, where she amazed staff and family alike with her sharp memory, her knowledge of world and national events, and her eagerness to embrace technology. Well past the age of 100, she delighted in using her iPad to text, view family photos, and FaceTime her loved ones.

She belonged to the International Order of King’s Daughters, the Red Hat Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, and attended Faith Lutheran Church and Union Congregational Church, both in Moline, Illinois, at different points in her life.

Merky’s life was one of strength, warmth, and devotion. She will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her fierce love of family, and her indomitable presence. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her family takes comfort in knowing she is out of pain and reunited with her long-lost loved ones.

She will be eternally missed, but her legacy of love and life will live on in all who knew her. Remembering that we are all part of her living legacy, we shall try to carry on with purpose and with grace.

A gathering to celebrate Merky’s life will be held in 2026 and announced at a later date. A private burial will take place at Rock Island National Cemetery, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory in Moline, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to The American Legion.

The family invites friends to share stories, memories, photos, and condolences through the Guestbook below.