As a new day approached, our mother, Irene Joan Anderson was welcomed into our Lord and Savior’s arms in the wee hours of Oct. 28, 2023.
Mom was born June 14, 1936 at home in Cambridge, Idaho to Charles William and Maude Wood. She was a twin, sharing a birthday with Ilene. Mom grew up on the family ranch and told many stories of going out and helping her dad stack hay with a derrick. She went to school in Cambridge and graduated from high school in 1954 as valedictorian. Mom met her lifetime sweetheart, Larry, while attending Cambridge High School. Larry Dee Anderson and Irene Joan Wood were married on November 12, 1955. Mom was a ranch wife and loved being a mom, even though she may have referred to us as little monsters from time to time. Patsy Irene joined mom and dad in June of 1956. Karen joined in August of 1957. Kathy Jean joined our little family in May of 1963 and last but not least was Michael Larry in January of 1969.
Mom enjoyed being a ranch wife, helping whenever she could, whether it was helping with giving cattle vaccinations, branding calves, cutting hay, midnight calving checks and even driving the dreaded cattle truck in the spring to greener pastures. Mom was even pretty good about keeping up with Dad as far as the pranks were concerned. She was known for sewing his pajama bottoms shut a few times or just getting even with a smart crack back at anyone and everyone.
While Larry was instrumental in starting the Toy Tractor Show at the Hells Canyon Days in Cambridge, Idaho, organizing it for many years, Irene also poured time and energy in helping with this. It has been said she got people in the door with her fabulous Strawberry Pie.
She is survived by her children. Her children include Patsy (Pete) Boise, Karen (Arlen) Weiser, Kathy (Rob) Nampa and Michael (Cecile) Nampa. Her grandchildren are Melissa, Kari, Erik, Patrick, Pamela, Michael, Jason and Jessica followed by 10 great-grandchildren and special niece and nephew Debbie and Bruce along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by in-laws Donald, Audrey (Danny), Aubrey (Angie), Darrel (Wilma) and Dorothy (Tootsie) and special brother-in-law Isaac (Betty) Ward.
Services will be held November 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at Thomason Funeral Home in Weiser, followed by Interment at Fairview Cemetery in Annex. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Park Community Church 5136 Kimball Road, Ontario, Oregon 97914
