Thelma Kirkham

IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Thelma Birch Kirkham, 89, of Idaho Falls, longtime resident of the Ashton area, died August 2, 2004, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls of pneumonia. She was born May 5, 1915, in Wilford, Idaho, to William Birch, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth “Bessie” Welch Birch. She grew up in Wilford and attended schools in Sugar City, graduating from Sugar-Salem High School. She then lived and worked in St. Anthony until her marriage to Clynneth Daniel “Dick” Kirkham December 12, 1938, in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple June 2, 1965. They made their home on the Kirkham family farm near Marysville, where she was a farm wife, homemaker, and mother. She also worked at Jardine Jewelers and at the Ashton Cleaners until she retired. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in the Stake YWMIA, in the Relief Society, and in various other callings through the years. She loved sewing, quilting, crocheting, taking care of family members, and was an excellent cook. Her many friends were a great joy to her, as well as her granddaughter, Tracie, who was the light of her life. Surviving are: Husband: Dick Kirkham of Idaho Falls, ID Son: Michael (Sue) Kirkham of Centerville, UT Brother: Lee (Ruth) Birch of Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Dean (Rena) Birch of Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Norma (Merlin) Roberts of Sandy, UT and Granddaughter, Tracie Kirkham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and a sister, Gladys Furness. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2004, at the Ashton LDS 4th Ward, 1313 North 3600 East, Ashton, with Bishop Hal Harrigfeld officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Ashton-Pineview Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Primary Children’s Medical Center, P. O. Box 58249, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0249.