Andersons host family reunion

Choctaw original enrollee Bethel Anderson and his wife Gertie Elliott Anderson started a family in Talihina in 1914. By 1933, their family had grown to eight children.

On September 9, 2023, their descendants gathered for a family reunion at the Talihina Choctaw Community Center. Reunion attendees came together to enjoy good food, share family stories and photos and play games. A highlight was celebrating Ruthie Anderson’s 88th birthday.

Friday before the reunion, family members toured the Choctaw Capitol Museum in Tvshka Homma. On Saturday after the reunion, some visited the Talihina cemetery to clean graves and pay respects to loved ones.

The Anderson family has great memories of reunions held at the old community center. This is the first year they have held their reunion at the “new” location. Reunion organizer Joe Anderson expressed that attendees are thankful to the Choctaw Nation for the use of the community center.