Anne Marie Pederson

Anne Marie Pederson, of Murray, KY, passed away on April 6, 2014. She is survived by twin sons, Robert Koenig (Cadiz, KY) and Russel Koenig (West Fargo, ND), their wives Julie and Sherry, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and her two "beautiful babies," Max and Gigi (long-haired miniature Dachshunds). Her husband, retired Navy Commander John C Miller, joined Georgetown University as a senior administrator and retired 1990. He passed away in 2010 at age 85, survived by his children: John Jr., Alyson, Linda, Carol, and Dorothy; ten grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.

Mrs. Pederson was born into an American Indian family of ten children in Whitearth, MN. The eldest child, she is preceded in death by both parents and three siblings, all the result of cancer. After a widely varied career in the United States and Germany, she chose Murray for her retirement.

In 1969 she was awarded a scholarship from the State of Minnesota Department of Indian Affairs and earned degrees from NDSU (Fargo) in Nursing and Criminal Justice.

During her busy career, Anne worked in detention facilities in Virginia, Washington state, and Washington D.C.; participated in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary in Fargo, ND; spent five years in the Air National Guard; and served as a Federal Woman's Program Manager in Germany.

Her accomplishments are many: 1974, appointed to the North Dakota Governor's Council on Human Resources, Status of Women Commission; fostered the ratification of the Equal Rights Ammendment in ND; 1975-1976, nominated to the Outstanding Young Women of America; 1977, as a member of the Happy Houligans, awarded the Secretary of the Air Force Expert marksmanship medal; 1978 awarded the Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Ribbon for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity along with her Sergeant's Stripes; 1980 received an Honorable Discharge; 1974-1978, served on the North Dakota Commission on the Status of Women, a sub-committee of the Governor's Council on Human Resources.

A former colleague found Anne Pederson to be "a very warm and compassionate fellow worker." One supervisor said she "strives for continuous self-improvement." Her supervisor at the District of Columbia General Hospital wrote, "If my experience is a guide, I can only assume that any organization that Ms. Pederson becomes part of becomes a better organization because of her presence.

Having visited every continent except Asia, Anne planned to go there this year with her grandson, Tommy. Sadly, cancer interrupted those plans.

Along with her family, friends, and colleagues, the community of Murray, KY will feel the loss of this capable and active humanitarian. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Rumor has it that grandson Alex will make an appearance, impersonating both Elvis and Elton John.

Interment will be in the family plot in Waubun, MN.

Memorials may take the form of donations to the Murray-Calloway Endowment For Healthcare, Att. Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071