Kathleen Ruth Anderson, 79

Kathleen R. Anderson, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Sandpoint, Idaho. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Kathleen was born on Sept. 19, 1943, in Boston, Mass. As a child, she moved west with her family settling in California where she later met and married Roger Anderson. Together, they set off north, living on a commune in Oregon for a spell before carrying on to North Idaho.

Kathleen and Roger scraped by living a meager life but always making the most of what they had. Whether it was in the old mill house in Hope that lacked indoor plumbing, perfecting biscuits and pies cooked in an old wood stove in Clark Fork, or tending animals on the Hawkins’ family farm, Kathleen made a tidy home for her growing family no matter what.

Kathleen was so proud to be a mom to her three sons: Roger Jr. of Sandpoint, Idaho, Clifford of Boise, Idaho, and Justin of Sandpoint, Idaho. Before their divorce, she and Roger Sr. loved to spoil the boys at Christmas during the good years. She also loved having all her grandchildren around for BBQs on the porch.

Kathleen loved going out dancing in downtown Sandpoint. She always had a smile and a thumbs up for every biker passed on the highway. She may have had a rough go at life, but she lived the last of her years being so grateful for everything around her. Her favorite place was tending a small set of pots as her garden with an American flag proudly hung in the front window.

Kathleen is a breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed in 2017, but it was persistent in recurring every few years. She had just recently been given a clean bill of health … cancer free. But now she is also pain free and soaring with the eagles.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to all the folks at Lakeside Assisted Living in Sandpoint who graciously cared for Kathleen this past year. They provided her with a safe place to rest and she appreciated them all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Sandpoint’s Community Cancer Services at communitycancerservices.com.