Deona Huntsman Kirkham

Deona Huntsman Kirkham, 93, passed away on April 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Deona was born to Delos and Anona Huntsman in their small four-room farmhouse in Shelley, Idaho, the second of eight children. She was always proud of her name because it was derived from her parents’ names. She was active at Shelley High in choirs and cheerleading, was on the high honor roll, and graduated in 1950.

She married her sweetheart Donald (Bob) Kirkham on November 16, 1950, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They raised six children and opened their home to several additional individuals for years at a time. She spent many years as a medical receptionist/assistant for various local doctors. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including one full-time mission with her husband in New York and two local service missions. She passionately volunteered for the past several years at the Humanitarian Center in Idaho Falls.

Deona was known throughout the community for her amazing cinnamon rolls. She also loved to crochet and made dozens of blankets for grandchildren, friends, and newborns. She loved her flower gardens, canning, and making Christmas treats including homemade chocolates. She loved to be of service and provided assistance to many.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Bob, both parents, four siblings, and two grandsons.

She is survived by three sisters: Julene, Vanece, and Neva; six children: Gayla Dumont (Gary), Sydney Haslem (Keith), Dana Searle (Mark), Michael (Denise), Mark (Marcy), Steven (Valon); 30 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shelley Stake Center at 325 East Locust Street. The family will meet with friends Sunday evening from 6:00 -7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street in Shelley, and Monday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the Shelley Stake Center. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

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