Geraldine Andersen

Geraldine Deschamps Andersen, 88, a resident of Murtaugh, Idaho died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

Geraldine was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 9, 1928 to Louis D. and Evelyn Deschamps. Geraldine grew up in St. John, Idaho. She attended elementary school in St. John and graduated an honor student from Malad High School where she participated in drama club and was an accomplished saxophone player in the band. She was a member of 4-H where she showed her steer and constructed clothing receiving high honors. She raised hundreds of chickens, gathered their eggs and sold them locally. Her first cake was baked in a wood-burning stove. Her mother told her it was the best cake she had ever tasted and from then on she became the baker in the family. She studied Home Economics at Utah State University. She met her husband Laurence DeVon Andersen on a blind date and quickly grew to love him. They married on August 28, 1947. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple on March 27, 1969. After graduating, they moved to Declo, Idaho where they resided for 7 years. They later moved to Murtaugh, Idaho where she would spend the rest of her days.

Geraldine was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served faithfully in many callings in her Wards and Stake. Geraldine was a dedicated leader in the Cub Scout Program. Her dedication earned her the Highest Honors, The Silver Beaver Award. She was awarded Bell Ringer of the Year for her continued support to raise money for mental health.

Geraldine loved working as a para professional at Murtaugh Elementary School in her later years. She found so much joy in seeing the children succeed and learn.

Geraldine loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. She did all that she could to support them in all of their activities and interests. She cared for her large family by raising a garden from which she gathered and canned fruits and vegetables every summer with her children at her side. She was known for her baking, including her one of a kind cinnamon rolls, beautiful and delicious wedding and birthday cakes.

Geraldine and DeVon had 13 children. Her life was dedicated to her family, friends, and many others. Geraldine was a woman of great faith who loved her Savior and did all she could to emulate His life. She served all she would ever come in contact with and sacrificed whatever was necessary to make the lives of those around her better. She was an immeasurable force of love, strength, and service that radiated these qualities through lives touched like rings from a pebble dropped into an infinite pond. We weep selfish tears at her leaving because the void can be filled by no other soul but rejoice in our hearts knowing all of this is silenced by the celebration above of a life well lived.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Louis (Teresa) Andersen, Ron (Terri) Andersen, Jannett (Steve) Tucker, Casey (Pam) Andersen, David (Diane) Andersen, Jill (John) Crozier, Jack (Jeanne) Andersen, Marilyn (Jim) Cornell, Stephen (Inger) Andersen, and Forrest Andersen; her 41 grandchildren and 71 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Evelyn Deschamps; her sister, Marilyn Jackson; her husband, DeVon Andersen; and her daughters, Cora Evelyn, Nora Elizabeth and Alane Andersen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the DeVon Andersen Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Murtaugh School District, 500 Boyd Street West, Murtaugh Idaho, 83344.

A viewing will be held Sunday, February 12, 2017, 6:00PM to 8:00PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23709 Highway 30, Murtaugh, Idaho 83344. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 13, 2017, 11:00AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Murtaugh, with viewing starting at 9:30AM. Grave dedication to follow at Malad Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Geraldine's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.