Clara Jeanne "C.J." Anderson

May 22, 1928 -

Nov 18, 2022

CJ was born Clara Jeanne Easton in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 22, 1928, to Andrew and Alta Easton, the second child of three. Her adventurous spirit was evident early on, and helped bring her family to Alaska when her father suggested they move there for work. Her mother was hesitant, but intrepid teenage CJ cheered him on: "Do it, daddy! Do it!" After some years in college, she re-joined her parents in Anchorage, then a 'tent town,' as she recalled it, merely '4 blocks of paved road.'

One night, on her way into a friend's home for a blind date, she slipped on the ice and fell, laughing hysterically. And so it was that her date, Les, was smitten by her vivacious voice and good humor before they even met. Once inside, he fell in love with her at first sight, and they were married in 1953. Their first home was a boxcar converted into living quarters for employees of the Alaska Railroad, where they brought home their first son. Soon they had two more boys (and eventually a girl), and Les took a job with the FAA. So began CJ's many years of raising kids in bush Alaska, at times on her own, while he was out on remote jobs. From the time they were very little, she taught her children to pray.

Their first village assignment was ever-windy Iliamna. Then came Yakatat: five years with four kids, the 1964 earthquake, and an incredible encounter with a blue glacier bear. Last stop: one solid year of rain in Petersburg before moving back to Anchorage. Ever the free spirit, CJ was a fierce champion of her kids and their ambitions. With her as home base, the boys tinkered in automechanics, pulled pranks, and rode dirtbikes all over Hillside, while she could be found with her nose in a book, especially history books. Above all, she nutured their faith in God and their love of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After Les passed away in '90, CJ lived out her dream of seeing history come alive while traveling all over the world. In between trips, she loved painting, writing stories, shopping at Nordstrom, and making quilts for and with her grandchildren. Most of all, she loved serving in the temple. In her last days, she spoke of how her illness reminded of her the Savior, and his incomparable sacrifice. CJ died faithful to the end, Nov. 18, 2022. She is survived by her sister, Joy; her sons, Jeff, Chris, and Michael; her daughter, Leslie; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We invite you to a service in her memory on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11:00 a.m. at 13111 Brayton Dr in Anchorage, the Brayton Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.