IRENE ESTES TOLMIE

Dakan Funeral Chapel

Irene Estes Tolmie passed away April 5, 2011, surrounded by her family in her home. She was born January 7, 1920, in Gooding, Idaho, to Harold and Della Estes. Irene attended Orchard Valley Schools and graduated from Wendell High School. After graduation she attended Gooding College before transferring to the College of Idaho. Here she gained an exceptional education and served as president of her sorority as well as Vice President of the student body. She was also elected Queen of the May and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Miss Estes began her teaching career in Richfield, Idaho and later she joined the high school staff in the Parma and Boise school districts. She married Donald Warren Tolmie on December 12, 1943. They moved to Emmett in 1946, after Warren returned from WWII. Their family expanded to five after Don was born joining his older siblings, sister Gwen and brother Rick. Irene returned to teaching English and Shakespeare at Emmett High School. After becoming certified in library science, she assumed the role as librarian at EHS. She also served as the advisor for the National Honor Society until retirement, which was one of many highlights in her educational career. Irene and Warren moved to Caldwell in 1960, where she was contracted to design the library and select and order all of the books for the new Vallivue High School. Irene retired in 1985, after dedicating 32 years of her life to students and education.

Irene's years in retirement included golf, fishing, and caring for and sharing her lovely flowers. Her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren held a special place in Irene's life and were often found at her dinner table enjoying her infamous homemade rolls and strawberry jam. But it was Warren, her soul mate, to whom she was so deeply attached.

In death she has joined her parents, sister, and in-laws. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years Warren, daughter and two sons Gwen, Rick, and Don, and their spouses Carl Leth, Norene Tolmie, and Connie Tolmie. Her nieces Kay Coffman and Carolyn Prunkle and husband Ken provide the Estes' connection in Canada. Also surviving Irene are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church in Caldwell, Idaho at 2:00 p.m. with inurnment following at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell. Family and friends are invited to the Caldwell Elk's Club afterward. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Irene Estes Tolmie scholarship fund at the College of Idaho, 2112 E. Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, ID 83605. Memories and condolences may be shared with Irene's family in her online tribute at www. dakanfuneralchapel.com