Billie Kirkham, 64, of Riverton died at her home Monday, April 6, 2015 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family during her last days and at the time of her death. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:30 am at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 170 W. Mountain View, off Riverview Road.
Billie was born December 28, 1950 in Rexburg, ID to William (Bill) and Jeri Garner. She grew up in St. Anthony area with her 4 siblings. She attended school in St. Anthony and graduated from South Fremont High School in 1968. She furthered her education by later earning 2 college degrees.
She married Danny Kirkham on November 18, 1972 in St. Anthony, ID. Together they raised their 3 daughters. They moved to Riverton in 1979. They later divorced in 2002.
She had a zest for life and all it had to offer. She spent much of her time pursuing her hobbies which included; spending time with her family, skiing, sewing, reading, travel, ceramics, camping, quilting and bible study. Billie loved her family dearly. She always said her 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters were the light of her life. She loved that her arms were full with babies for many years. She was a great friend and mentor to many people. Her humor, wisdom and kind heart will be greatly missed.
She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses when she dedicated her life and was baptized on March 9, 1968. She remained faithful to her God Jehovah all of her life. She valued her relationship with him more than anything. This moved her to spend the last 5 years in the ministry full time. She had a passion for teaching people about the bible.
She learned the value of hard work at the early age of 7, by working side by side with her family during "spud harvest" on the potato farms. Billie worked for the USDA for over 30 years. During her career she worked for the Forest Service and Rural Development departments. She was involved in the community she lived and worked in. She built intercultural relationships working with the Native American Tribes on the Wind River Indian Reservation. She managed many projects that benefited the community which she lived and loved. She was passionate about equal housing rights for all. She had received many awards that are too numerous to mention. Her work in the community made an impact that will be felt for generations.
She is survived by her daughters Wendee Tobin (Bailee, Taylor) Kymberly (John) Souza (Cade, Nicholas) Amber (Beau) Brinkman (Asher, Eli) her sister Vicki Garner, brother Zack (Liyan) Garner, sister in law Shanna Garner and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, brothers; Kent Garner & Larry Garner.
The family would like to thank all her dear friends who called, sent cards and flowers, made meals, came to visit and traveled long distances to spend time with her. A special thanks to all those who helped take care of her in her time of need. You made her know how much she was truly loved.
In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials may be made to Help for Health Hospice in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.
Billie was born December 28, 1950 in Rexburg, ID to William (Bill) and Jeri Garner. She grew up in St. Anthony area with her 4 siblings. She attended school in St. Anthony and graduated from South Fremont High School in 1968. She furthered her education by later earning 2 college degrees.
She married Danny Kirkham on November 18, 1972 in St. Anthony, ID. Together they raised their 3 daughters. They moved to Riverton in 1979. They later divorced in 2002.
She had a zest for life and all it had to offer. She spent much of her time pursuing her hobbies which included; spending time with her family, skiing, sewing, reading, travel, ceramics, camping, quilting and bible study. Billie loved her family dearly. She always said her 3 grandsons and 3 granddaughters were the light of her life. She loved that her arms were full with babies for many years. She was a great friend and mentor to many people. Her humor, wisdom and kind heart will be greatly missed.
She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses when she dedicated her life and was baptized on March 9, 1968. She remained faithful to her God Jehovah all of her life. She valued her relationship with him more than anything. This moved her to spend the last 5 years in the ministry full time. She had a passion for teaching people about the bible.
She learned the value of hard work at the early age of 7, by working side by side with her family during "spud harvest" on the potato farms. Billie worked for the USDA for over 30 years. During her career she worked for the Forest Service and Rural Development departments. She was involved in the community she lived and worked in. She built intercultural relationships working with the Native American Tribes on the Wind River Indian Reservation. She managed many projects that benefited the community which she lived and loved. She was passionate about equal housing rights for all. She had received many awards that are too numerous to mention. Her work in the community made an impact that will be felt for generations.
She is survived by her daughters Wendee Tobin (Bailee, Taylor) Kymberly (John) Souza (Cade, Nicholas) Amber (Beau) Brinkman (Asher, Eli) her sister Vicki Garner, brother Zack (Liyan) Garner, sister in law Shanna Garner and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, brothers; Kent Garner & Larry Garner.
The family would like to thank all her dear friends who called, sent cards and flowers, made meals, came to visit and traveled long distances to spend time with her. A special thanks to all those who helped take care of her in her time of need. You made her know how much she was truly loved.
In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials may be made to Help for Health Hospice in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.