Betty Lou Kirby

Betty Lou Molen Kirby passed away on May 2, 2009 at the age of 84 surrounded by her family at The Gables Assisted Living Center in Shelley, Idaho where she had resided for the past 4 months. She was born February 18 1925 in Idaho Falls, Id to Donald Francis Molen and Margaret Marie Fisher.

She attended school in Salmon and Idaho Falls, where she graduated from high school in 1944. Her junior year she met her lifelong sweetheart Donald Edward Kirby. They were married December 4, 1943 in Idaho Falls. The marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

She loved to spend time reading, crocheting and taking care of her violets and roses. She had crocheted an afghan for each of her 18 grandchildren by the time each of them graduated from high school. Betty worked for the Idaho 1st National Bank as operations supervisor for 15 years and retired to spend time with family and grand children. Betty and Don enjoyed spending the winter months in Yuma, Arizona with many of their dear friends.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she served as Relief Society President, Primary teacher, Librarian and was a Visiting Teacher for as long as she could. She and Don served a mission at the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor Center for 18 months. They also worked together as ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple for nine and a half years.

She is survived by her loving husband and five children, Lynda Chapple of Shelley, Kitty (Darrell) Beard of Pocatello, Don (Traci) Kirby Jr. of Firth, Margy (Dell) Blackburn of Blackfoot, BJ (Robert) Hess of Shelley; 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister.

Betty’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at the Gables for the love and care she received there.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at the Shelley 5th Ward Chapel, 513 South Park Avenue in Shelley with Bishop Vern Bowden conducting. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 5 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street in Shelley, and also from 10-10:40 at the church before the service on Wednesday. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.