Opal Anderson, 95

Opal Maxine Anderson was born Sept. 7, 1921, in Dix, Neb., to Robert Earl Peterson and Hedvie Josephine Johnson Peterson. She went to her heavenly home on June 18, 2017.

She was raised in Dix and graduated from high school there. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Nebraska State Teachers’ College in Chadron, Neb. She completed additional post-graduate work through the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

On Jan. 17, 1943, she was married to Paul Albin Anderson in Dix. After Paul returned home from service in World War II, they farmed in Western Nebraska and Opal completed 12 years of teaching there. In 1961, she moved with her husband and two daughters to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they purchased a farm in French Gulch. She and her husband lived there for 35 years. In 1961, Opal started teaching at Borah School and completed 22 terms there before retiring in 1983. She had teaching experience in every grade from kindergarten through grade 12.

She was a world traveler and visited more than 60 countries, six continents and sailed on 11 cruises. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene where she helped with Sunday school, music, choir and Board of Deacons. She was a member of Martha Circle, “Pairs & Spares” (group leader), and Presbyterian Women’s Association. She was also active and held offices in Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Teachers’ Sorority; North Idaho Retired Educators’ Association; Rambling Rover’s Senior Travel Club; Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies’ Auxiliary Post No. 889; American Alliance for Retired Americans; Mica Flats Grange; and Christian Women’s Club. She was inducted into the Idaho Educator’s Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1996, she was presented with “A Community Service Award” by the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission.

In 1996, Paul and Opal sold the farm and had a home built in Leisure Park in Hayden, Idaho, where they continued to reside. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents; a brother, Robert W. Peterson and wife Faye; and an infant daughter, Marian Louise Anderson.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Anderson of Pocatello, Idaho; a daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Jaye Smith of Coeur d’Alene; and grandchildren Shawn and Lindsay Smith.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene, with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements.

You may visit Opal’s online memorial and her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.