Irene R. Theobald

Irene Woodward Theobald, 90, of Idaho Falls, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018.

She was born June 6, 1927 in Shelley, Idaho, the fifth of six children to Frank and Ida Sage Woodward.

In the midst of the great depression her family lived in a one bedroom apartment. Eventually they were able to purchase a modest home where Irene graduated from Shelley High School. At the close of World War II she met Garn Theobald and married the handsome Navy man on February 14, 1947. Garn and Irene raised four sons and a daughter together.

She and Garn were members of a pinochle club for 36 years. Irene had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, was an active member of the Shelley Methodist church. She was a Special Ed Teachers- Aid at Shelley Junior High School. She and Garn had many friends and enjoyed entertaining in their home. A few years after raising their family and retirement, Garn and Irene began a new adventure selling Christmas trees in California.

It was there in 1989 that Irene was suddenly widowed at age 62.

Irene is survived by her children, Reece (Diane) of Boise, Steve (Judy) of Pocatello, Garn (Debbie) of Pocatello, Mark (Deanna) of Layton, Utah, Nancy Peterson (Gary) of Idaho Falls, 15 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.

Irene will be remembered for her tenacity, good humor, great cooking and her compassion.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at the Shelley Community United Methodist Church, 190 South Holmes, Shelley, Idaho with Pastor Davey Lefler, officiating. The family will meet with friends Wednesday morning from 10:00 till 10:45 A.M. at the church. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.