Obituary Bernetta LaRue Anderson
February 2nd, 1934 - July 2nd, 2021
Bernetta LaRue Anderson, 87, of Idaho Falls passed way July 2, 2021, at home surrounded by her children. Bernetta was born February 2, 1934 to Melvin Joseph Hebdon and Florance May Egbert. She was the 5th of 7 girls born to May and Mel. She grew up in Idaho Falls. She was taught to fish and sing by her father at a young age. She sang frequently with her sisters growing up. They often would sing to the prisoners who were housed at Tautphas park, during WWII. She sang solo later in life at numerous weddings, funerals, and cultural events. She attended Idaho Falls High School and it was there she meet the love of her life (Johnny Anderson). She and John sneaked away to Rigby, on a date night and got married while still seniors in high school. They were able to keep their marriage a secret for two weeks, until she became ungrounded for being late getting home from her date. They were big IF Tiger fans and hosted their High School Class Reunions up into their 80’s.
John and Bernetta made their home in Idaho Falls and had 7 kids in the first 10 years of their marriage. They were married for 67 years until John’s death in November of 2019. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple in April of 2017, at age 82 and 65 years of marriage. John and Bernetta were inseparable in everything they did, and adored each other. Bernetta was a homemaker, and was always invested in her children’s activities and lives. She was a Cub Scout den mother for many years; she also hosted, planned and participated in countless school, church and civic events.
She owned her own wedding catering business for over 30 years. She was an incredible cook and cake decorator. She would cook from scratch and most the time without a recipe. She did hundreds of weddings and gave hundred of free weddings to people because of their inability, or unwillingness to pay. John and Berretta’s generosity was always unparalleled in everything they did.
Bernetta was everybody’s favorite because of her attitude. She was always happy and positive. If you knew Bernetta she would be the one you called first if you had a tragedy or a triumph. She always knew what to do or how to celebrate.
She will be missed by anyone who knew her.
She encountered many hardships in life, including having John survive Brain cancer and several other ailments, to loosing two daughters in tragic accidents. We take comfort in knowing she is a peace and with her loved ones now.
Bernetta is survived by her children; Henry John Anderson III, (Loralee) of Idaho Falls, ID, Gary Gray (Chris, deceased), Pocatello, ID, Laura Gray (Randy), of Idaho Falls, ID, Doug Anderson, (Kathy), of Rigby, ID, Diana Bell (Michael), of Boise, ID, Lisa Barnes (Michael), of Hamer, ID;16 Grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews whom she will always be their favorite Aunt Netta.
She was preceded in death by her soul mate John, her parents, Mel and May, daughters, Karen and Chris, her 6 sisters and 5 brothers in law.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Idaho Falls North Stake Center, 955 Memorial Drive, with Bishop Shawn Ferguson officiating. The family will visit with friends and family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Saturday from 10 to 10:45 am at the church.
Condolences may be sent to family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com
