Andrea Nathele Child was the first child born to Wesley Bowers and Nathele King Bowers on February 15, 1945, in Tempe, Arizona. She and her mother rode the bus back to North Carolina to join her father where he was stationed in the Marine Corps. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona and surrounding towns. They spent a few years on the ranch north of Prescott, Arizona where she began helping her parents take care of her six siblings. They moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where Andrea was active in school choirs and musical productions, and graduated in May 1963. She attended BYU in Provo, Utah and graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She taught fourth grade in Globe, Arizona, then returned to BYU, to take classes. She worked in the insurance billing department at Mesa General Hospital while obtaining her Master's degree at Arizona State University. Andrea returned to teaching fourth grade at the Sacaton Elementary School. While visiting her sister, Charlotte, in Kuna, Idaho she met and married Eric Child on November 1, 1974 in the LDS Temple in Manti, Utah. After teaching second grade in Kuna for three years, they started their family. She was a mother, wife, homemaker, and farmer's wife. Her favorite activities were singing with choirs, doing activities with her children, gardening, teaching and her friendships. When Eric's rheumatoid arthritis interfered with his farming ability, Andrea returned to teaching in 1987 and taught first grade for sixteen years at Hubbard Elementary. This was followed by three years teaching kindergarten, and second and third grade until she retired in 2010. After retirement, Andrea enjoyed going to play with her grandchildren weekly. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2015. She tried to carry on her life in spite of it but the cancer took over. In July 2016, she and Eric were able to purchase a home in Meridian, Idaho and they slowly moved off their acreage near Kuna, Idaho. Many times life has been a challenge and the Lord has blessed her with His strength, guidance, and assurance of the reality of Jesus Christ's mission. She thanks God for giving her this firm foundation. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her spouse Eric Child; her children: Will (Rani) Child, Emily Child, Tai (Tom) Smith, Tiffany (Scott) Goff, and six grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Locust Grove/Ustick LDS church building at 3451 N. Locust Grove Road, Meridian, Idaho 83642 on Saturday, March 4, 2017. A viewing will be held just prior to the funeral at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Kuna Cemetery, Kuna Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. (208) 467-7300. Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com
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