Elna Mae Jensen Kirkham Obituary (1920 - 2007)

“A Life of Service” Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Elna Mae Jensen Kirkham passed away on November 27, 2007 surrounded by her loving family. Elna was born on March 9, 1920 to Vernon and Sarah Magdalene Dorius Jensen on the family farm in Riverdale, Idaho. She graduated from Preston High School with honors and attended the University of Utah. She met and married Arthur Jack Kirkham on March 3, 1942 and they moved to Long Beach where she drove a Red Cross ambulance during World War II. She helped develop AAA Tent and Awning Company (Kirkhams Outdoor Products) and actively participated in the business for 30 years. Elna lived a life of service to her family, church and community. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. The door was always open with room for everyone at the family table. Elna was a devout member of the LDS church. She served in many capacities including President of the Primary, Relief Society and the Young Women’s Organizations. She worked in the Outreach for Unwed Mothers Program for 8 years. She was also an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Elna was actively involved in the development of Murray City. She served on various boards including Parks and Recreation, Hospital and Library. Elna was involved in politics with a passion. For many years her home was the polling place for her district. She was the first woman elected to the Murray City Council in 1981 and was selected Murray City “Woman of the Year” in 1983. Elna is survived by her husband, Jack; her children, Kathy (Scott) Lombardi, Carol Mathews Goulais, and Jack (Cheryl) Kirkham Jr.; her grandchildren Theresa Smith, Tony Smith, Neal Smith, Matt (Natalie) Mathews, Jennifer (David) Sasich, Amanda Bilanzich, Allison Goulais, Kerrie (Matt) Turvey and Cammie Kirkham; and great grandchildren Caitlin Bilanzich and Zachary Sasich. Preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Vernon D. and Don C. Jensen; and sister, Betha (Betty) Jensen Clyde. Funeral services will be held at the Little Cottonwood First Ward 6350 South Rodeo Ln. (1545 East) on Saturday December 1st at 1:00 p.m. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday evening at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary 4760 So. State Street and from 12:00 to 12:45 pm prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery.