Andrus Family Genealogy & History

Elvis Andrus, a Venezuelan-American former MLB shortstop, is celebrated for his impressive career with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox. Known for his dynamic fielding and base-stealing prowess, Andrus was a two-time All-Star and achieved significant milestones, including scoring his 1,000th career run and reaching 2,000 hits. Debuting at 20, he quickly became a key player for the Rangers, forming a memorable partnership with third baseman Adrián Beltré. His career highlights include finishing second in the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year voting and leading the AL in sacrifice hits in 2010 and 2012.

Elvis Andrus was born in Maracay, Venezuela, to parents Emilio and Elvia Andrus. His father, a university professor, passed away when Andrus was seven. He has two older brothers, Erold and Erikson. The family background played a significant role in shaping Andrus’s early life and career.

Colonel Burton Curtis Andrus Sr. (1892–1977) was a distinguished U.S. Army officer known for his significant contributions during both World Wars and the Nuremberg Trials. A career spanning from 1917 to 1952, Andrus held pivotal roles including commandant of the Nuremberg Prison during the trials of Nazi war criminals. His military career included assignments as a cavalry officer in the Philippines, intelligence director in New York, and a combat observer in the European Theater. Andrus was highly regarded for his strict discipline and leadership, notably in the 6850th Internal Security Detachment under the International Military Tribunal.

Burton Curtis Andrus was born in Fort Spokane, Washington, to Hermine (née Hill) and Major Frank B. Andrus, a West Point graduate and veteran of the Philippine–American War. He married Katherine Elizabeth Stebbins in 1916.

Mark Andrus, born December 13, 1955, is a renowned American screenwriter celebrated for his influential contributions to cinema. After obtaining an MBA from UC Riverside, Andrus pivoted to a creative writing career, encouraged by Tomás Rivera. His first screen credit was for the 1991 film "Late for Dinner." Andrus gained significant acclaim with "As Good as It Gets," co-written with James L. Brooks, earning prestigious awards like the Writers Guild of America Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. His filmography includes notable works such as "Life as a House," "Georgia Rule," and "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," showcasing his versatile storytelling.

Ethel Percy Andrus was a trailblazing educator and elder rights activist, renowned for being the first female high school principal in California and founding AARP in 1958. Her career highlights include establishing the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) in 1947, advocating for retired teachers' health insurance, and expanding the NRTA to form AARP. She held degrees from the University of Chicago, Lewis Institute, and the University of Southern California, where she also contributed as a faculty member. Andrus' legacy is honored at the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center and her inclusion in the National Women's Hall of Fame.