Renowned Apollo 8 astronaut, William ‘Bill’ Anders, passed away on June 7, 2024, leaving behind his beloved wife, Valerie Anders. The couple tied the knot in 1955, and not much is known about Valerie’s personal life before her marriage to the former astronaut.
Valerie often tried to stay out of the spotlight, especially during the 1960s when her family was the center of attention due to her husband’s career. In an interview with PBS, she recalled the challenges of being in the public eye and the lack of preparation for the level of scrutiny their family faced.
While Bill trained for his historic mission to the Moon, Valerie remained at home with their six children. She was part of a close-knit group of astronaut wives who supported each other but received no formal training or psychological help to navigate the demands of their unique lifestyles.
Aside from being known as Bill’s wife, Valerie is also recognized for co-founding the Anders Foundation with her late husband. Bill retired from the Air Force Reserves in 1988 and moved to Orcas Island in 1993, where he spent the rest of his life with Valerie, their children, and grandchildren, pursuing his passion for flying.
Tragically, Bill passed away at the age of 90 after his vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor crashed near Orcas Island. His son, Greg Anders, identified him as the pilot and described him as a great pilot who will be missed.
In addition to their six children, Bill and Valerie have 13 grandchildren. Valerie shared insights into the challenges of raising a family while her husband was away on missions, emphasizing the sacrifices and responsibilities she shouldered as essentially a single parent during those times.
Although the Anders children have largely stayed out of the public eye, their family continues to mourn the loss of Bill Anders, a pioneering astronaut and dedicated family man.
