Anderson children move to Fallbrook

On Feb. 17, 2021, the Anderson children suffered a tragic loss when their father, John Anderson, died suddenly from a genetic defect. Anderson was a father of five and an experienced photographer. He owned a photography business called JME Portraits, specializing in taking photos of newborn babies.

Six years ago, the Andersons lost their mother, Jamie Anderson, to a fatal brain aneurysm. Jamie was raised in Fallbrook; she attended La Paloma Elementary School and graduated from Fallbrook High School before attending San Diego State then relocating to Texas. Jamie was also recognized as one of the top 10 photographers in the world after her death; she was ranked sixth.

The Anderson children were raised in Texas, but after their father's passing, four of the children moved to Fallbrook to live with their legal guardian, Laurie Kelly and her daughter and son-in-law, Mandie and Tyler Jentztch. Kelly is the great-aunt of the children, Jamie was her niece. Eldest daughter Hunter, who is now a mother herself, is staying in Texas.

The four younger children have spent 6-8 weeks in Fallbrook every year since their mother's passing, and when John died, Fallbrook was the best fit for them since they were already familiar with the area and they felt comfortable with Kelly and her daughter.

"Right after their dad died, I received a call from John Jr," she said. "The first thing he asked me was when would I be picking him up. We wouldn't want the kids to be anywhere else."

Hailey, 12; Caleigh, 10; John, 8, and Aubree, 7, travelled from their childhood home in Houston, Texas to their new home in Fallbrook on March 1. Many of their belongings had to be left behind during the move, and the Kelly/Jentztch family is asking for the support of Fallbrook residents.

The children have created an Amazon wishlist with a few items they need, including toys and school supplies. They are having to adapt to a new home, environment, school, and the Kelly/Jentztch family believes that having these items will help the children keep their spirits up during this trying time.

There is also a GoFundMe fundraiser circulating in order to raise money for the children and their well-being. The funds raised will go towards clothes, shoes, furniture, toys, school supplies, as well as legal fees the Kelly/Jentztch family will face as they finalize the process of becoming the legal guardians.

"They're settling in well considering the circumstances," said Kelly. "They've just started school and they're beginning to adjust."

Along with helping Kelly take care of the Anderson children, Mandie and Tyler Jentztch are also new parents and business owners. They own "Ruffhouse Dog Rescue," a business focused on rescuing dogs from kill shelters, rehabilitating them, and adopting them out. "Ruffhouse Dog Rescue" has adopted out more than 200 dogs in need.

The Kelly/Jentztch family has a passion for helping others, and after hearing about John's passing, there was no hesitation. Kelly said that she knew they needed to be with her.

She said the children are feeling positive and in good spirits, and the Kelly/Jentztch family feels very grateful for the support they have received from the community.

To donate to the Anderson children's Amazon wishlist, visit https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/1YVG7KAQB1IBS?ref_=wl_fv_le.

To support the GoFundMe fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-4-anderson-kids-adjust-through-tragedy?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer.