Our mother, Iris Jones Brinkerhoff, graced this world with her presence January 11, 1931 - February 17, 2026. She began her life as the fifth child of a family of fifteen children born to Rebecca May Allen Jones and Isaac Rulon Jones in Torrey, Utah.

Her family lived in a one room log cabin that grew into a four-bedroom house which contained a cookstove. The house did not have a bathroom, electricity, plumbing, water, or machines. They took pride in raising, cultivating, and storing their own food. Canning was a full event outside on trestle tables under the shade of the trees and over wood fires. Iris adored her mother and was diligent in learning from her loving hands.

Iris had to start working very young to help provide for herself. She started working in junior high school in Bicknell, Utah. She was a nanny, worked in a café, and at the dairy. She was very active between work, helping with the family, participating in choir, and editing the school paper.

Iris worked in Salt Lake City, Utah in governor J. Bracken Lee’s mansion caring for his children and helped with anything she was asked. Although, she always forgot the governor’s coffee. During a state dinner Iris was privileged to meet President Hoover when he thanked them for a wonderful meal.

Kyle Larsen Brinkerhoff dated Iris off and on while they both worked at the Brinkerhoff’s Circle Cliff Dairy. Kyle and Iris decided to seal their love in the Manti temple after completing their milk route on December 21, 1951. They celebrated their wedding with a big dance at the Teasdale Tabernacle later. She said, “I never thought I’d marry a Brinkerhoff.” They welcomed their first child, Roger, on August 27, 1952, in Salina, Utah. Shortly after Roger’s birth, the dairy was sold and the young family journeyed to Stevensville, Montana to join Ernest and Wayne’s (Kyle’s) family on the OXO Ranch. Roger was joined by five siblings Neil, Gaylene, Garth, Pearl, and Myrna.

Mom loved the house they had built in Stevensville. You could not drive by her red brick house on the eastside highway without admiring its beautiful flowers, yard, and garden.

She became a fantastic homemaker, endeavoring to provide everything her family needed and wanted from scratch. She sought to live within their means and use what was available.

Mother created fun such as floating the river, strawberry/huckleberry picking trips, lunch in the hayfield, picnics in the meadow, boating, and swimming outings. Mom’s square dancing was a highlight of her life with friends and family. The fun extended through the winter activities of sleigh riding while searching for the perfect Christmas tree.

Iris was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many positions, but Relief Society was her true calling. Iris and her cohorts worked with the community cooking dinners and making quilts to support fundraisers. She always extended a helping hand to those in need.

Mom instilled love and service to all those with whom she had contact. Her loving hands were full of many talents. She spent many hours baking loaves of bread weekly, dinner rolls with homemade jam that melted in your mouth, various flavors of pies, pleased family, and fair goers over the years. Most of all we loved her homemade ice cream and root beer. Mother was an excellent seamstress. Her sewing machine was always busy creating clothing, crafts, and quilts. She always had several projects going in her craft room.

Time spent serving in the temple was a blessing in her life. She also enjoyed serving a mission with her companion Kyle in Nigeria, Africa. She grew to love the people and adored the children she served.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren. She shared her love in many ways by spending time, vacations, family reunions, and phone calls and cards. She loved creating gifts for her children, grandchildren, and great grands. She made many quilts, stuffed animals, dolls, burp cloths, and blankets for them.

Many lives have been touched by our mother’s life. We cannot thank her enough for all that she has taught and shared with us. She was a constant example of Christlike love and service to others.

“Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on. Cherished memories never fade, because a loved one is gone. Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart. For as long as there is a memory they will live on in our heart.”

A gathering will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February, 27, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Victor Cemetery in Victor, Montana.

Floral arrangements will be provided by Staker Floral.