Beverly Whitmore

MERLE WHITMORE NAMPA, IDAHO -- Beverly Merle Whitmore, 66, of Idaho Falls, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2006, at Mercy Medical Hospital in Nampa, Idaho. She was born May 15, 1940, in Ashton, Idaho, to Albert James and Reva Grace Schofield Whitmore. She grew up in Ashton and attended South Fremont schools. While growing up in Ashton she met and married Jim Lynn “Jimmie” Biorn. They had two children, Chris Lynn Biorn and Sherri Lee Biorn. They later divorced. She married Leo Bud Jones. They made their home in Pocatello and had a daughter, Alecia Ann Jones. They later divorced. She was a banker for many years and then sold real estate in Idaho Falls. She was working for Century 21 Advantage at the time of her death. She had many hobbies she enjoyed, fishing, camping, painting, gardening, and baking, but her true passion was making quilts, quilts and more quilts. She was known by many as the "quilt lady," and was loved and will be missed by all who knew her, especially her seven grandchildren, Casey, Matthew, Trevor, Sterling, Marissa, Dallas and Jaden. Survivors include: Son: Chris Biorn of Henderson, Nevada Daughter: Sherri Biorn of Idaho Falls, Idaho Daughter: Alecia (Galen) Abernathy of Nampa, Idaho Sister: June Martindale of Ashton, ID Sister: Janice Harker of Hagerman, ID Sister: Billie Farnes of Rigby, ID Sister: Linda Hansen of Tetonia, ID Brother: Dale Whitmore of Ashton, ID 7 Grandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Alice Rigby and Donna McCausey, and a brother, Jimmy Whitmore. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2006, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls. ---------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Helen McMullin hmcmull@msn.com We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Merle. When we needed a real estate agent almost 4 years ago, Jim Harrell recommended Merle, and we were delighted, since it was also a chance to renew old friendships. I went to school with her (and Billie, too, at least) in Ashton and my Mother had grown up with other members of her family. Real estate business was always mixed with catching up on families, friends, and talking about her quilt making and other hobbies. When we last saw her earlier this month she was excited about going to Boise for the holidays, and making plans for the new year. We will miss her. Margaret Lindsley Helen (Lindsley) & Jerry McMullin Leta Carlson Janis Butikofer Just a note to say; we really enjoyed working with Merle in Real Estate. Thanks for great memories! She was an excellent friend . . . Brent & Sandy Ripplinger Sherri: We were saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I know your mother and Jim are both very proud to see your accomplishments and even if they're not in this realm with you, they are still watching over you. Brent & Sandy Ripplinger (worked with your dad in Island Park) Patty Isaeff I knew Merle while we both worked at C-21 (I believe she then went to Realty Executives shortly after I left Realty Executives). I found her amusing, sarcastic, and very sincere. I always looked forward to seeing her because of her warmth, sincerity, and independence. She carried herself with a lot of pride, and I will carry her memory with me for many, many years. And she will always be missed for her special self on this planet. Very sincerely, my condolences, Patty Isaeff Kim (Pettingill) Heinke Samishbay2@aol.com Dear Alecia, I will never forget all the things we put your Mom through when you and I were kids – together we were trouble! I have a lot of great memories of Merle. But the quality I always admired most about her was her strength. You have inherited her strength (and spunky humor), Alecia, and I have no doubt your Mom is watching over you now with a proud heart. Sherri and Alecia, I am truly sorry for your loss. I love you and am praying for you and your families. Kim (Pettingill) Heinke Pamela Thompson Sherri: I am deeply sorry for your loss, and saddened because I have always heard you speak so fondly of your mother. We have lost a great soul here on earth. I wish for you strength and peace. Marissa Shelton pikki_nikki17@yahoo.com Mom, I'm truly sorry for everything I put you through during these past few months and what you've had to go through and Grandma Merle, if you can see/hear/ or are watching over me, I miss you very much and I love you more than any other grandparent. I Miss You Dearly. Marissa