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Fern Anderson Nell, 99

Dec. 10, 1917 — May 18, 2017

Fern passed away May 18, 2017, at her residence in Salem, Ore. Fern was born in Forsyth, Mont., the daughter of Harry and Elsie Thompson. When she was young, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was raised on the family farm at the end of Thompson Lane in Cougar Gulch.

Fern and her first husband, Wally Anderson, were longtime Coeur d’Alene residents best known for operating Wally’s Drive In on Northwest Boulevard until 1960. They relocated to Scottsdale, Ariz., where Fern was widowed in 1968.

In 1963, Fern became the City Clerk for the city of Scottsdale and held that position until she retired.

Fern married Walter Nell of Scottsdale in 1974. After his passing, she returned to Coeur d’Alene to be close to family. Because of health reasons she had recently moved to Salem to be close to her son.

Fern loved to dance, and she and her longtime friend Orville Haney spent many evenings at dances around the area. She learned to fly and did extensive traveling.

Fern’s parents and brother, Harry Thompson, preceded her. She is survived by her son, Virgil (Jenny) Anderson; sisters Florence Waddell and Alice Rehard; granddaughter Laura Smith; grandson Douglas (Sally) Anderson and two great-grandsons.

At Fern’s request, there will be no services.