Nina May (Dawson) Anderson, 88

Nina May (Dawson) Anderson, 88, died at her daughter's residence in Polson, on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. She was born in Pauline, Power County, Idaho, the daughter of William Edward and Effie Estella (Smith) Dawson.

Nina was the sixth child born in a family the eventually included eight children, two brothers and five sisters. She lived in Logan and Smithfield, Utah, in her earliest years, and then moved to Rexburg, Idaho, where she completed her education. She loved learning and always excelled in her school activities.

In 1935, she fell in love with and married her one and only love, Joseph Merlin Anderson, (Dr. Merlin J. Anderson). This union was a wonderful example of love, loyalty and devotion, to each other, to their family and to their 'Heavenly Father' in the 63 years they shared together. They were separated only for a time by his death on May 25, 2000.

As a young mother she had to join the work force during World War II to work at the small arms plant near to Salt Lake City, Utah. She was always supportive and worked alongside her husband throughout their lives together while they had a grocery store in Star Valley, Wyo., or farming, and later as he went back to school and became a Naturopathic Physician.

In 1956 they moved to Kalispell, which they loved, for the next 22 years. She was a receptionist, accountant, nurse, secretary, and assistant throughout those years. In 1978 they moved to Orofino, Idaho, to retire.

Nina was above all else a devoted wife and mother. She is best remembered by all for her hospitality and great ability to cook and bake. She was always an example of service and hard work. She served as the Relief Society president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Merlin also served as Missionaries in the Anchorage Alaska Mission from 1980 through 1981.

After the passing of her husband, she has spent her declining years in the homes of her children, where she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her seven children, Judy Sloan and husband Rob, Nancy Andrews and husband, Ronald, Nina Laird and husband, Steve, Merlin Anderson and wife, Raquel, Nyle Anderson, Layne Anderson and wife, Pat, and Norman Harding and wife, Dawn. Nina leaves behind a legacy of 46 grandchildren and 97 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and also two sisters, LaRee Winn and Donna Anderson.

Funeral services for Nina Anderson will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 25, at the Church of the Latter-day Saints on Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell, with Bishop Frank Wraught conducting. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at two times and locations, Thursday, May 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary, and one hour prior to service time on Friday at the church.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Nina's family.

You are invited to go to johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Nina's guest book.