She is survived by her daughter, Jeanna Andros-Baker, son-in-law Phil Baker, grandson, Nikolas Baker, several nieces and nephews and her beloved bulldog, Katie. She was preceded in death by her husband Dee in 2003, her brother Leon Thomas and her sister Jean Dilley.
Born in Stigler, Oklahoma to Leon and Vera Thomas, Luella was the second of three children. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma and while in Norman, met the love of her life, Dee Andros, an OU student and football player.
On January 24, 1949 in Seminole, Oklahoma she and Dee were married. As the wife of a college football assistant coach there were many moves in their early-married life. With coaching jobs at Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Tech, Nebraska, California, Illinois and Idaho the Andros’ were a family on the move.
In 1965, Lu followed her husband once again to Corvallis where Dee was named the head football coach of the Oregon State Beavers. His eleven-year tenure was highlighted by some of the most memorable games in OSU history. Always the loving wife, Lu rarely missed a game, home or away. In 1975 Dee was named Director of Athletics at OSU and served in that role for ten years with Lu once again by his side.
She loved her forty-four years living in Corvallis. She was a member of the Corvallis Country Club where she enjoyed many years of golf with her close friends. She was an avid bowler as well and also enjoyed playing cards, especially gin rummy. She was a long time member of the Corvallis Assistance League. During her collegiate years she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Lu was a most gracious woman. She was a “second mom” to many OSU football players through the years. She truly enjoyed her life and being married to the “Great Pumpkin” as Dee was affectionately known.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 30th at the Corvallis Country Club at 2:30pm. Private burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Park in Corvallis. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made payable to the Dee and Luella Andros Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of the OSU Foundation, 850 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333.
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