Alta Pauline Anderson's Obituary
Alta Pauline "Polly" Anderson, loving wife, mother, grandmother and teacher, was born in Los Angeles County on May 12, 1928. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Alta Miller and Earl Kent. She attended school in Santa Barbara, California and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1946. She was awarded a full scholarship to BYU but was unable to attend. She went to Los Angles City College and certified in Early Childhood Education.
She married the first love of her life Robert Alvin Sorensen in Los Angeles in 1948. They lived in Downey, Los Angeles County, where their first two daughters were born. Christine Ann in 1951, and Lynne Diane in 1954. In 1955 the family moved to San Jose, California where their next two daughters were born, Susan Joanne in 1958, and Carol Pauline in 1959. Raising her daughters was Polly's passion--supporting them in all their educational endeavors and many activities. She was the perfect role model of the best loving Mom anyone could be.
After her daughter Susan was born she re-entered college, taking night classes and eventually earned a Bachelors Degree at San Jose State University. She went an additional year to obtain her Teachers Credential, which began a long career as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, and assistant principal. She was also a certified Miller-Unruh Reading Specialist supporting hundreds of children in their efforts to learn to read. In 1984 she decided to re-enter the academic arena and enrolled in a Masters program at the San Francisco University where she graduated with honors in 1986.
In 1988 she married her husband Ronald Anderson and moved to Foster City, California. They were later sealed in the Oakland Temple. Soon after their marriage, she retired from her teaching career and started a new life in retirement. She and Ron built a cabin in Island Park, Idaho near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park where they spent their summers. They both had a great love of the natural wonder of nature in that area. They developed many new friends there and enjoyed sharing the experience with family.
Upon declining health Ron and Polly moved to Moldaw Community Living Center in Palo Alto for the next few years. In 2013 they moved to the Sunrise Senior Living Center in Sandy, Utah, which offered them assisted living support, and where Carrie and Susan lived nearby with their families. Four months after their move Ron died. Polly continued her residency there until her passing December 9, 2015 due to complications of a rare bone cancer. She loved the staff and residents at Sunrise and enjoyed serving as the Vice President of the Resident Council Board. She died in her residence with the assistance of Hospice with her daughters Susan and Carrie by her side.
Polly was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many teaching positions, which she loved. She also served as a Primary President and as a Relief Society President.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Royer Meats, a grandson Jacob Greene, her ex-husband Robert Sorensen, and her husband Ronald Anderson. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands; Christine and Brad Baucus of San Jose California, Lindy and Brett Harte of Aptos California, Susan and Lynn Green of North Logan Utah, and Carrie and Clint Greene of Highland Utah. Two step children Kirstin Anderson of Ripin California, and Bobbie Anderson of Georgia. Her posterity includes fifteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She will always be remembered and loved by her family who were lucky to have had her in their lives.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at the LDS church in Sandy located at 2126 Gryfalcon St. (10,000 South) Sandy Utah. A viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at the Riverside Thomas Cemetery in Blackfoot Idaho.
What’s your fondest memory of Alta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alta?
Share a story where Alta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alta you’ll never forget.
How did Alta make you smile?
