Wilma Jean Cole Anderson

Wilma Jean Cole Anderson died unexpectedly at a local hospital in Twin Falls, August 25, 2024. Wilma was born on February 16, 1935. She was the second daughter of Hazel and Marvin Cole of Jerome, Idaho.

The Cole family lived on a farm northeast of Jerome where Marvin farmed and trained horses. Wilma attended grade school at Washington Elementary in Jerome until 1945 when the Cole family moved to Shoshone, Idaho, where Wilma continued her education until graduating from Shoshone High School in 1953. During her time in Shoshone, Wilma and her sister Wanda rode trick ponies their father had trained. The two sisters performed at many county fairs and rodeos in the area. Wilma was a member of the Shoshone Riding Club for many years.

In the fall of 1953 Wilma attended Idaho State University to further her education. It was during this time she met her future husband, Gilbert (Gib) Anderson. The couple were married on October 8, 1955. This union lasted for 68 wonderful years. 

Wilma and “Gib” resided in Jerome where they built a home and started a family. Wilma started employment at the First Security Bank in Jerome where she worked for six years. During this time she gave birth to her first son, Eric in February of 1961, and her second son, Douglas in August of 1962.

Wilma was an active member of the Jerome Methodist Church and the Methodist women’s group. Her faith was important to her as well as her friends from the church. Wilma was also a member of the Jerome Jay-cee-etts where she was recognized as one of the 1968 Outstanding Young Women of the Year. 

Wilma and her family moved to Twin Falls in 1967 where she worked at the First Security Bank for seven years. Wilma then left the bank and joined the city of Twin Falls, working in the water department for 24 years until retirement. Wilma made many special friends during her career at the city and continued to enjoy lunch dates with old co-workers until recently.

Wilma had a strong conviction for volunteering after retirement. She donated her time working at the gift shop at the St. Luke’s Hospital for many years. Her hours of service at the gift shop earned her name on the Giving Tree in the halls of the hospital.

Wilma’s greatest joy were her grandkids. Wilma and Gib took frequent “adventures” with the grandkids traveling as far away as Hawaii and Mount Rushmore, to local trips around the State and Magic Valley. These special adventures forged lasting memories.

Wilma is survived by her two sons, Eric (Sabra) and Doug (Morgan), six grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. 

Wilma is preceded in death by her mother (Hazel), father (Marvin), sister (Wanda), and her husband (Gilbert).

Funeral Services will take place at Rosenau Funeral Home on Saturday, August 31,2024, at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at the Jerome Cemetery at 2:00PM.  All are invited to attend and support the family. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Idaho Horse Rescue, or the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho scholarship fund.