Lola Pauline "Polly" Anderson

1918 - 2015

Lola Pauline "Polly" Anderson
1918 - 2015
Lola Pauline "Polly" Anderson, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, beloved aunt and friend, became a new resident of Heaven on Saturday, May 23, 2015.
Polly was born July 17, 1918 in Rockport, Mo. to Loren and Mollie McCoy. She was one of eight children. Aunt Pauline cherished family, enjoying many family dinners, gatherings and McCoy Reunions.
Polly graduated high school at age 16, then graduated from Business College and began working in office management in Jefferson City, Mo., Washington DC, and New York City. When WWII was declared, Polly joined the U.S. Coast Guard, and became a proud 'SPAR'. Stationed in St. Augustine, FL, Polly met and married Dwight K. Wells, also serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Polly and 'DK' had 4 children, Bob, Ken, Kevin & Trish. After briefly living in Steamboat Springs, Co., they settled in Boise in 1949. DK was a court reporter and Polly transcribed the court proceedings in addition to being Mom and running a household.
Polly loved her many 'clubs' and good friends. She belonged to sewing clubs and multiple bridge clubs, continuing to enjoy playing Bridge (or a good game of Pitch) until the last few years of her life. She loved playing Scrabble by the hour.
In 1978 Polly married Elwood "Andy" Anderson and together Polly and Andy enjoyed their lives tremendously with their many friends and family. They loved to attend BSU games and tailgating, loved to dance to the Kings of Swing, loved traveling the world, and traveled to many family and Coast Guard reunions. Together they wore out two motor homes and two house boats. They loved life and whether they were fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska or playing golf at St. Andrews in Scotland, or anywhere in between, Polly's presence was like a ray of sunshine.
Polly was a very loyal and faithful servant of God. She was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, and chaired many church committees plus serving as Deacon and Elder. She also volunteered tirelessly with the American Legion, and mended clothes for those at the Veterans Hospital. In 2008 she was named Legionnaire of the Year with the American Legion Department of Idaho. Additionally, Polly and Andy would not rest until the State of Idaho had a cemetery devoted to Veterans and gave their time endlessly to that goal, which thankfully they both lived to see.
Polly's smile was like no other. She didn't know a stranger, whether it was flipping pancakes for an American Legion breakfast, helping a grieving family with meals, serving communion in church, or visiting those who were in rest homes. Her smile would light up a room, and make everyone's day brighter.
At the age of 89 she began her commercial career starring in regional TV commercials, including the Idaho Hot Lotto – Grandma's Birthday commercial, which was one of the best known commercials she did.
She is preceded in death by DK Wells, Andy Anderson, and all of her siblings.
She is survived by her children, Robert Wells (Jackie), Mercer Island, WA; Ken Wells, Miami FL, Kevin Wells, Beaver, WA; and Trish McCurdy (John), Boise, ID., her grandchildren, Scott Wells, Jason Wells, Jay Wells (Kathrine), Paula Kosberg (Lance), Andrew Wheeler, and her great grand-children, Sky Somerton-Wells, Nate Somerton-Wells, Griffin Wells, Acacia Kosberg, and Aspen Kosberg. She was Grandma to many more and loved being Grandma!
The family would like to extend their special gratitude to Eloise Noleen for her 25 years as Polly's massage therapist and friend, the staff at Overland Court Senior Living, and XL Hospice for their loving care.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. at Cloverdale Funeral Home, 1200 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise; internment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10101 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Veterans Hospital or to the American Legion.