Leola, Missionary

Duane was The Mission President; Leola, his consort, without a real, official title. Some called her “Mission Mother.” He often said, back home, that he presided, whereas Leola conducted, and we all recognized truth in the saying. Let nobody claim, though, that Duane Anderson was less than a fully-effective presiding officer. Before he received his honorable release, it was truly said of him that those under his direction would follow him off a cliff, if he asked them to. He did not know in advance the full price he would pay for that effectiveness, but he got a lot of practice in bowing with some grace to Providence.

Without taking anything away from her loving spouse, Leola was by all accounts an instant success in Paris. We’re still collecting stories from those who remember, and we had some brief opportunity to watch her in action. In typical style, she quickly became an influential part of everything that needed her in the Mission. Mostly via a translator: she was still struggling with French when her assignment changed abruptly. Her long and deep experience as teacher, counselor, and friend to adolescents fit her to become an immediate favorite with the 300 or so young missionaries serving in the Mission…

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