Marlis K. (Finke) Anderson, 84, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at her home on March 28, 2026. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, she was born on November 17, 1941, to Harvard and Virginia (Legg) Finke.
Marlis was a proud graduate of Manuel High School, Class of 1961. Following graduation, she began her career as a receptionist with Citizens Gas Company before later dedicating many years of service to Indianapolis Public Schools, where she worked in food service until her retirement. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis.
Marlis found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading and working word-search puzzles, trying her luck at the casino, and spending time camping at Buckley’s Campground and Spring Mill State Park. For many years, she faithfully started her mornings with a walk on the track in Beech Grove. She also cherished her time as a “snowbird,” spending three months each year in Panama City Beach, FL.
She had a special way of telling stories—many of which began with, “We were riding bikes…”—and those stories will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Marlis was a fan of the Indianapolis Ice and the Indiana Pacers, and she especially enjoyed helping her husband prepare the family’s beloved chili recipe.
She is survived by her loving children, Julie Anderson of Indianapolis, Donald Anderson of Indianapolis, and Diana Anderson of Greenwood; her sister, Marjorie Denney of Colorado Springs, CO; her sister-in-law, Pat Finke of Greenwood; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by many extended family members, her dear friend Pat Merryman of Panama City, FL, and her longtime K-9 companion, “Pretty Girl.”
Marlis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Anderson; her brother, Charles Finke; and her sister, Marabeth Tames.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 1:00pm at The Creek Church (6430 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46259) with Pastor Eric Denney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Cremation will follow and Marlis will be interred in Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family’s GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses