Kathleen Patterson Anderson

Kathleen Patterson Anderson, 71, returned home to her Heavenly Father and Savior on September 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.  

Kathy was born September 7, 1952, in Ontario, Oregon to Grant and Vera Patterson. She is the youngest of 6 children, having 5 older brothers. She lived in Owyhee, Oregon until the 7th grade, when her family moved to New Plymouth, Idaho. When she reported to the junior high on her first day of school in New Plymouth, the principal tried to send her down the street to the elementary school, because of her great stature. At New Plymouth High School she participated in student government and was also a majorette—she could really twirl the baton!! She graduated from New Plymouth High School in 1970.   

She continued her education at Kinman Business College in Spokane, Washington, and Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.    

About this time, she was chasing and being chased by the handsome young man from three doors down the street. To this day we still don’t know who caught who, and who truly proposed to whom—it just depends on who you ask what version of the story you get! 

On April 24, 1974, she was married in New Plymouth, Idaho to that handsome young man, Kip Anderson, also of New Plymouth. They spent the first 4 months of their marriage in Texas, then moved back to Pocatello, Idaho where Kip was attending school. While in Pocatello they welcomed their first daughter, Terra, and a few months later on August 19, 1975, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple.Their son, Scott, also joined them in Pocatello in 1976. Graduation and employment took them to Burley, Idaho in 1977, where they bought their first home. When the Relief Society president knocked on the door to welcome the new family to the ward, and asked to see her mother, Kathy emphatically replied, “I AM the mother!” Trisha joined their family in 1979, and Steven in 1982. Burley proved to be the best community to raise a young family. Many life-long friends and fond memories were made in Burley during the 17 years they lived there.In 1994, Kip and Kathy relocated to Clinton, Utah where they lived close to Kathy’s mom and brothers. While in Clinton she worked at See’s Candies for over 20 years. She knew everyone’s favorite chocolate, and hand-packed each family member their own 1/2 pound box of chocolate at Christmas. She could identify and explain the taste of every chocolate in the store. In 2016, Kip and Kathy “retired” to Winston, Oregon.

Throughout her entire life, Kathy was devoted to and found great joy in serving her family, church, community and everyone around her. She was always the first to offer a meal or childcare for a friend, neighbor or anyone in need. She mended countless items of clothing for her family, the missionaries and many others. She was always watching children for other families and was influential in raising dozens of God’s children. She served in many different capacities in the church, including Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Women and Primary. As a ministering sister, she was selfless in giving of her time and service to many, and was a friend to all. She emulated the Savior as the Shepherd, always ministering, seeking,  and reaching out to “the one” in need. Kathy had the greatest influence and found the most joy serving in the Primary. She loved the children and always loved singing the primary songs.Her stature wasn’t measured by her physical height, but by the size of her heart, especially when it came to loving and serving children.She loved our Savior, Jesus Christ, and emulated Him in everything she did.

Kathy’s favorite calling was being a mom and a grandma. She was often found spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren, reading stories, playing, baking, exploring, having sleepovers, talking, singing, etc. She made sure her children and grandchildren knew just how much they mattered. She attended their numerous events, such as ball games, plays, piano and dance recitals, and many other activities. She was faithful in sending birthday cards and Christmas gifts, always making sure it was fair and even. She loved being the grandma. Her true calling in life was “gathering the children,” following Jesus Christ’s example. 

Kathy fought valiantly, but eventually lost her battle with cancer, continuing to show such grace and dignity. She was an example to the end of showing faith in God’s plan. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Kip Anderson, and her children, Terra Stanko of Hyrum, Utah, Scott (Jennifer) Anderson of Roseburg, Oregon, Trisha (Fletcher) Vess of Lilburn, Georgia, Steven (Katrina) Anderson of Roseburg, Oregon, and Eric (Cary) Richardson of Ammon, Idaho. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren: Lauren (Kaleb), Colton, Whitney (Matthew), Davan (Ellissa), Alice, Braden (Chelsea), Liza, Charles, Savannah, Shea, Henry, Ella, Ainslee, Jack, Scarlett, Evelyn, Lacee, Garrett, and William; and 4 great grandchildren: Lucy, Maverick, Atlas and Kip. She is preceded in death by her parents Grant and Vera Patterson and her 5 older brothers, Verl, Dale, Marvin, Reed and Douglas Patterson.

Memorial services will be held in Winston, Oregon, on Friday, September 13th, 2024, at 10:00 am (PT) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:  340 NW Glenhart Ave. A private family viewing will be held prior to the funeral service. A graveside service will be held in New Plymouth, Idaho on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11:00 am (MST), at Park View Cemetery: 3600 Hwy. 30 West.  All are welcome to attend. A live Zoom link of the services in Winston will be available upon request.  

Kathy’s family would like to thank the medical and hospice professionals who so lovingly cared for her the last few months. In lieu of flowers, and because Kathy loved children so much, we ask that you send considerations to Primary Children’s Medical Center in Kathleen’s name.  

Funeral arrangements by Umpqua Family Funeral Directors in Roseburg, Oregon, and Shaffer-Jensen Memorial Chapel, Payette, Idaho.