Shirley Irene Leatham

Shirley Irene Steensma Leatham, 88, died Monday, March 23rd in her home in Ammon of natural causes.  

Shirley was born Sept. 11, 1920 in Caldwell Idaho.  She was raised by her Aunt & Uncle in Rexburg where she attended Madison High School and later Ricks College.  Shirley was working in Shelley as an elementary school teacher when she met the love of her life Marvin Leatham.  They were married in the Idaho Falls temple on Nov. 20, 1946.  

Shirley & Marvin spent 18 years in the Lost River Valley raising their family.  In 1969 after completing her education at BYU they relocated to Hemet California where they both worked for the school system until 1983 when they both retired.  

Shirley was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She had a great love for music and children and served in all the auxiliaries within the church.  Shirley & Marvin served a mission for the church in the Salt Lake temple visitor’s center.  

In 1987 Marvin & Shirley moved to St. George, Utah to enjoy retirement and they stayed for 17 years.  They moved back to Idaho Falls, Ammon area, to be close to family in 2004.  

Shirley was a unique woman with a keen sense of humor and a heart of gold.  The Lord blessed her with a beautiful voice and she loved to sing.  She also loved teaching and always said that teaching was all she ever wanted to do.  

She is survived by a son, Rex Leatham, Eden Utah and daughters Nancy Whitlock (Chuck) of Campbell, Texas, Irene Prestridge (John) of Shelley, Idaho, Diane (Jay) Catmull of Salt Lake City Utah and Deena (Kurt) Welker of Ammon; 32 Grandchildren and 40 Great Grandchildren.  

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband Marvin Leatham, daughter Shari Leatham & daughter-in-law Jody Leatham.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 27th at Nalder Funeral Home, (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Thursday evening March 26th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and Friday morning from 9:00 am to 10:40 am at Nalder Funeral Home. Burial will be at Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.