Anita McPherson

Anita (Parson) McPherson passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, surrounded by family singing her favorite hymns.

Anita was born on October 4, 1943, to Myra Barker Parson and Horace Oliver Parson. The oldest of nine children, her four sisters-Sherma, Diann, Jodell, and Lorraine-were always her best friends. Whether playing ballerina with metal cups as pointe shoes, dressing up as 'fancy ladies', or writing and singing songs, the Parson sisters were happiest together.

While she was painfully shy in school, Anita always had a gifted soprano singing voice. She sang solos at church and participated in choirs throughout her whole life. She bore testimony through her voice as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission, singing at funerals, weddings, baptisms, and holidays. As a missionary, Anita recorded an album, From the Everlasting Hills, and the Tennessee church members sold copies to earn money to construct a church.

Anita never lacked potential suitors. But she fell in love with her Montana cowboy, Dale McPherson, when they reconnected at Ricks College after she completed her mission. They married in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 1, 1967. Despite being told she would never bear children, Anita was a loving mother to eight: James, Jason, Atina, LaDawn, Levi, Susan, Luke, and Tammy. She loved babies and was always snuggling with the latest grandkid or great-grandkid in her large family.

Anita was a hard-working, Pioneer-stock woman! She always had a project, especially on the five acres she lived on for 40 years. Her most-requested present was a fresh load of dirt so she could grow food to freeze-dry. And no one can forget her raspberry jam, homemade rolls, and slick-em-down chicken noodle soup, which she would make with her grandkids.

Anita loved books, especially church history fiction, and would read out loud to her children growing up. Her favorite books were the scriptures, which she would listen to every night once her eyesight started to fail.

Music was always her gift. She taught her kids four-part harmony singing hymns around the piano. A songwriter, Anita wrote about playing with her babies and her favorite scriptures. She led ward and stake choirs for nearly 60 years. But Anita was most proud of her 12 years of service as a temple ordinance worker and six years as a records indexing missionary alongside Dale.

The daughter of an artist, Anita painted beautiful watercolors and oil paintings-she even paid for the birth of one of her children with commissioned artwork for the doctor!

Anita worked in the testing center at BYU-Idaho for 20 years, making lifelong friends. She loved her many friends in the community and looked forward to visits and going out to eat. Ever the "bossy older sis," her best friends were always her brothers and sisters, and she looked forward to spending time with them.

Most of all, Anita loved her family. She always had her arms outstretched for a hug. And if she wasn't with them, she was on her knees praying for them with her never-failing faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anita loved Dale fiercely and has been looking forward to reuniting every day since his passing 18 months ago.

Anita is survived by her eight children and daughters- and sons-in law: James (Kelly) McPherson, Jason (Stacy) McPherson, Atina (Dan) Coates, LaDawn Rivera, Levi (Devon) McPherson, Susy (Tim) Clyde, Luke (Shaylynn) McPherson, and Tammy Champo. She is survived by 37 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who lovingly know her as Grandma Mac. She is also survived by her siblings Diann, Delwin, Leon, Jodell, Nolan, Lorraine, and Kelvin. Her two honorary babies, her dogs Duke and Daisy, will continue to be spoiled by her family. Anita is preceded in death and welcomed on the other side by her parents, sister Sherma, and her sweetheart of 56 years, Dale.

Visitation time with the family will be held on Saturday, November 1, at the Salem LDS Meetinghouse, 3462 N. Salem Road, Salem, Idaho, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Following the family prayer, the funeral services begin at 1 pm. The internment and grave dedication will take place at the Sugar City Cemetery.

Service will be broadcast at: https://my.gather.app/remember/anita-mcpherson