Theresa Jo Anestos

Theresa “Terrie” Jo (Neal) Anestos passed away peacefully, with her loving sons by her side, at her home in Pocatello, Idaho, on March 22, 2025, at the age of 76. 

Theresa, the oldest of six children, was born on November 27, 1948 to Arthur A. and Frances M. (DeMers) Neal in Fargo, North Dakota. She moved with her family to Pocatello, Idaho in 1952 when her father transferred there for his work.

Theresa graduated from Pocatello High School in 1967 where she was a member of the Yearbook Staff and won the Betty Crocker “Homemaker of Tomorrow” award in her senior year. She then attended Idaho State University, receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. As a young adult she became captivated by Greek culture and even made a trip to Greece. She moved to Boise for a brief period, but returned to live in her hometown of Pocatello, Idaho. She worked for a few locally owned businesses: Fashion Cleaners, Remo’s Restaurant and as a Timekeeper for Bucyrus-Erie.

In November of 1987 she married Peter Tash Anestos and together they welcomed two sons, Peter K. and Chaz. Terrie and her husband started a vintage clothing business, bringing their two sons into the family business as well. Besides being a big Jeopardy fan and avid Scrabble player, she enjoyed good books, good food, and good company hosting many family and friend get togethers.

In adulthood she was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which she handled with dignity and grace. Her mind was sharp and she continued to do the bookkeeping for the family business. Her youngest son eventually moved to the east coast, and in 2021 her husband passed away. Pete, her oldest son, was determined to keep his mom in the family home and keep the business going by helping her with any of her physical limitations and succeeded in doing so up until her passing.

She is survived by her sons Peter K. Anestos, Pocatello, ID; Chaz D. W. (Molly) Anestos, Albany, NY; stepson Tash P. (Candace) Anestos, Albuquerque, NM, and their children Alexandra, Zackery, Triton and Rigel Anestos; siblings Von A. Neal, Catherine N. (Mitchell) Symons, Margaret A. (Roy) Bluemel and Mark A. (Lisa) Neal and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Lance A. Neal and sister-in-law, Ann Noon Neal.

The family plans to hold a private service at a later date.