Leita Elaine Anderson passed away on May 23, 2024 of natural causes in Enterprise, Oregon. Leita was born on April 17, 1932 to William (Babe) and Dorothy Moore Clothier in a log cabin outside of Pablo, Montana, weighing in at less than three pounds. Her mom kept her on an oven door inside a cigar box as there was no such thing as an incubator.
She was an only child until she was seven when she was joined with little sister, Dixie, and two years later by little sister, Karen. Since Babe had no sons the girls did most of the chores and all three are the strongest women you would ever find.
Leita went to Salmon Prairie School through the eighth grade and then on to Polson, Montana for high school where she lived with her grandparents until her graduation. After her graduation she married Robert (Tuffy) Anderson on Nov. 14, 1950, and anyone that knew Tuffy knew she was in for a challenge.
They welcomed their first daughter, Renae, in January 1952, their son, Robert (Bobby Lee), in March 1953 and daughter, Melody, in July 1956.
Tuff and Leita would light up the dance floor. Her feet would never touch the floor as she was four feet, nine inches and he was six feet tall. She would also challenge anyone willing to arm wrestle her and to this day I think she is still the champ!
Leita worked for the Forest Service starting in the early 60s as an assistant cook and took on the job as chief cook in the 70s until her retirement after 40 years of service. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society Museum. Leita is survived by her daughter, Melody, and husband, Curt, of Enterprise, Oregon; her sisters Dixie (Neil) Meyer and Karen (Dale) Conley of Salmon Prairie, Montana; son-in-law Bill Anderson of Nevada; and daughter-in-law Kris Anderson of Condon, Montana. Leita had 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews. Mork and Mindy, her two Chihuahuas, are also known as Melody's inheritance.
She was preceded in death by her parents Babe and Dorothy, husband Tuffy, daughter Renae Anderson, son Bob Anderson, and niece Larae Sullivan.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be directed to Swan Valley Emergency Services, in care of Owen Conley; PO Box 1316, Condon, MT 59826. Alternatively, donations can also be made to Upper Swan Valley Historical Society Museum; P.O. Box 1128, Condon, MT 59826.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Condon Community Hall, Condon, Montana on July 20, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Reader Comments(0)