Gayle Ralph Anderson

Gayle Ralph Anderson, 94, of Pocatello, Idaho, surrounded by family, peacefully returned to his loving Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

His gentle passing was answer to prayer. Although not unexpected, his passing was a shock. Grateful for the special reunion with his sweetheart, who he missed terribly, parents, siblings and friends.

Gayle was the second to the youngest child, born to Harry Emanuel Anderson and Ethel Georgeanna Davis on May 10, 1929.

He attended schools in Pocatello, graduating from Pocatello High School.

He married his high school sweetheart, eternal love and companion Dorothy Bringhurst Anderson on September 3, 1948 in the Salt Lake City Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Gayle and Dorothy celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary on September 3, 2020, shortly before Dorothy’s passing on September 11, 2020.

Gayle and Dorothy raised six children, with twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Gayle loved his family and delighted in their visits, often slipping a few “secret” dollars into their hands.

Gayle will fondly be remembered and lived his life by the saying

“One Day at a Time”.

Staying busy with church activities, being active with service work, community organizations, and hosting social events with his family and friends was at the heart of Gayle.

Gayle and Dorothy served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Southwest Indian Mission in New Mexico before starting their family. Gayle served for many years as the Fort Hall Branch President, with Dorothy and his young family by his side.

Later in life they completed a second extended mission for many years with the Fort Hall Branch. Gayle had a lifelong passion to serve the Native American people where he developed special relationships and bonds.

Gayle and Dorothy enjoyed membership in the Chubbuck Lion’s club.  The annual Special Needs dinner, sponsored by the Chubbuck Lion’s Club was a great joy and event for Gayle. He ensured the vast number of turkeys for the dinner and give away were collected. Special thanks to Gayle and Dorothy’s friend Barrie Hunt for his service to support our father with this collection. Over the years, others were led by Gayle and Dorothy, in securing and collecting the food and give away items for this dinner event.  He and fellow member, Denny Jones traveled to Haiti to distribute eye glasses to those in need.  His friendship with the Lion’s club members, especially Denny Jones were cherished by Gayle. Our father’s fishing trips with Denny and Shirley Jones to Alaska were a highlight of his travels.

Raised in Pocatello, “up Pocatello Creek”, with his brothers and sisters, attending Anderson family Christmas parties, fishing trips, Downata swimming and reunions were memorable highlights for Gayle and his family.

One of Gayle’s greatest passions was continuing the tradition of the Harry Anderson/Ethel Davis Reunion. This annual event was held in Gayle and Dorothy’s famous back yard, under the pavilion, with “kids” of all ages playing, sharing life stories, welcoming Santa Claus for “Christmas in July” and most importantly lots of food.

Gayle enjoyed friendships, associations, and events during his life. He served in many positions, including two missions with the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter Day Saints, also a military veteran having served eight years in the US Navy, living and raising a family in the Pocatello/Tyhee area.

Gayle’s vocations to support his family and many others, included work with Union Pacific Railroad, serving on the Chubbuck City Planning and Zoning committee, firewood, farming, landscaping, landlord, and gas station businesses in Utah and Idaho.

Gayle’s Firewood may have been one of his businesses, but countless residents, family and friends were recipients of Gayle’s generosity in heating their homes.

Gayle is survived by his six children; Crystal (Gerald (Jerry) Carson), Ross (Traci), Russell, Galen (Mary), Candi (David Eliasen), and Sheldon (Carrie); grandchildren Logan and Nicholas Carson, Skyler and Ashley Anderson, Cassandra Anderson Merrell and Katelyn Anderson, Jamila and Tariq Abou-Bakr, Bailey Anderson Thatcher and Payton Anderson, Ryan and Morgan Collins; great-grandchildren Braylon, James, and Harper Carson, Parker, Kendall, and Brynn Carson, Jimmy, Zoe, Jack, and Quintin Anderson and Odin Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, brothers Gerald, Elwin, Royal, Dwaine, Melton, OD Ray, Don, sisters Opal and Ardella, his parents Harry Emanuel Anderson and Ethel Georgeanna Davis, and son-in-law Hassan Abou-Bakr.

Gayle is the last of Harry and Ethel’s children to pass, ending a family legacy.

A public viewing and celebration for Gayle’s 95th birthday May 10th, will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road Chubbuck, Idaho.

Family prayer will be held Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID. Graveside service will be held in his honor on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00 am at the Restlawn Cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho.

Our family would like to thank Symbii Home Health and Hospice Staff for the care and kindness gifted to our father and family.

Dr. Steven J. Webster D.O.

Jessica McFadden

RN Tera Hanson, Social Worker

Todd Henrikson, Chaplain

Joe Ward, Chaplain

Lynell Harmon, LPN

Lulu Zermeno, RN

Deanne Toone, CNA

Brent Dobson, PT

Heather Jones, PTA

Dyan Thompson, COTA

Also thanks to Heritage Home Health staff and support.

Kelly Saiz, RN - Admit Nurse

Adam Reed, RN

Brendon Johnson, OT

Jessica Ellis, COTA

Kristina Manning, PT

Amber Davis, ST

In lieu of flowers, and keeping with Gayle’s example of service and a desire to always give back, please consider a donation in Gayle’s name to the Chubbuck Lion’s Club. To make a donation, please contact Wilks Funeral Home, who have graciously agreed to coordinate these donations.

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