Rachel Ann Harder Andersen

Rachel Ann Harder Andersen of Flowery Branch, Georgia passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 at 93 years old. She was a woman with unwavering faith in the Lord. Rachel was born in Hammond, Indiana, on October 25, 1932 to Henry Harder and Edith Miller Harder and had an older sister, Grace. Her father was the mayor of Munster, Indiana and her mother had a flower shop. She enjoyed playing basketball and saxophone as a schoolgirl. At the age of 12 her family moved to Pierson, Florida where she eventually met an aspiring aviator Kenneth Andersen. Due to his persistent pursuit of her, and God affirming he was the man she was supposed to marry, they wed on December 16, 1951. They were blessed with two children Kenneth “Dale” Andersen in 1954 and Marilyn Gail Andersen in 1958. Rachel adored her children and the role of a mother brought her immense joy. Kenneth was a fighter pilot in the Air Force and then became a captain with Eastern Airlines. They spent the subsequent years living in places around the U.S. such as Hampton, VA, Long Island, NY, Amarillo, TX, Marblehead, MS, Snellville, GA, and many more places. They moved numerous times in their marriage! Wherever they lived, they were faithful and active members of a church. Rachel and Ken traveled all over the world, but especially loved spending time in Sanibel and St Augustine, FL every year which became a tradition with family and friends. Rachel was known for being a talented seamstress, loving to watercolor, interior decorating, having a sweet tooth, staying up late watching Johnny Carson, and her subtle sense of humor. She loved a not-too-challenging puzzle and game nights with her friends. Her grandchildren looked forward to sleepovers where Grandma would teach them how to play Gin Rummy, do art projects, and cook their favorite breakfasts (usually French toast!). Rachel was a faithful prayer warrior, committing to daily prayer for those she loved and her country. She read through the Bible many times. How blessed a family is to have a matriarch with that kind of character! She was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Even into her late seventies, she devoted time to watching Tyler and Caitlin and doing fun things with them like going to the zoo, the train museum, and airports. She meant so much more to everyone she met than she ever knew. Her quiet love spoke volumes! Rachel is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Kenneth Roger Andersen; her children Dale Andersen and his wife Debby, and Marilyn Clements and her husband Talmadge. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Rachel Lovett and her husband Jason, Ian Clements and his wife Abby, and Allison Clements and her husband Nick; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Caitlin, Ethan, Nathan, Anaya, Casey, Addison, Payton, and Holden. Rachel is preceded in death by her parents, Henry J. Harder and Edith M. Harder; and her older sister, Grace Asbury. Rachel’s love, laughter, and lasting legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered. A family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Rachel Ann Harder Andersen

October 25, 1932 - May 2, 2026