Theresa Ann Whitehead

1932 - 2025

Theresa Ann Whitehead

December 7, 1932 - October 11, 2025

Theresa Ann (Terry) Whitehead, 92, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in the early morning hours of October 11, 2025, in Twin Falls, surrounded by family and love.

Terry was born in Burley, Idaho, on December 7, 1932, to Robert H. Hinkley and Ruby Warberg. She lived in Burley and Eden, and later her family moved to Twin Falls, where she attended school and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1951. She participated in many school activities, including Girls State and 4-H. She later earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1974 at Idaho State University.

Marrying her high school sweetheart, Richard E. Whitehead, was the start of a new life. What an adventure! She and her husband loved to spend time in the mountains camping, hiking, and fishing. They frequently camped at Alturas Lake until they built a cabin in the Stanley Basin. This was a project that forever bonded the family and created a legacy of love and a lifetime of memories.

During Terry's early years of marriage, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she remained an active member all her life. She held many callings and responsibilities through the years. One of the dearest to her heart was working with the Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts of America. This position influenced countless lives. Later, she served a mission, working with Young Single Adults in Twin Falls, Idaho. She loved to read and dedicated time each week to learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and staying current with world events and community happenings.

Terry loved God and loved people. She connected with people of all ages. She was thoughtful and took an interest in others. She recognized those in need and was able to connect with them. She often mixed her wit and wisdom to quickly become endeared to or adopted by everyone around her. She enjoyed serving others. At Christmas time, she helped countless families over the years.

Celebrations were important to Terry, and she often became the life of the party. She loved to dress up. She became the Turkey Dancer at Thanksgiving and Raggedy Ann for a contest. For Halloween, she dressed up as a Witch to answer the door for the children. She enjoyed camping, boating, hiking, shopping, traveling, taking her friends and family to birthday lunches, and sending confetti in every card. Terry loved getting the most out of life. She loved trying every new food or adventure that came along, including speaking in sacrament meeting at the age of 90, bull fighting in Italy, attempting to water ski, using reflexology or acupuncture to keep in tip top health (even though she has a wall dedicated to chocolate sayings and jokes)! Elvis, chocolate, and dolls were some of her passions.

Beyond the fun and frills, Terry was a hard, dedicated, and ambitious worker. Terry was successful at selling "World Books" encyclopedias, even winning a trip to Chicago because of her sales abilities! She was an entrepreneur, co-owner of a home improvement company and a vending machine business. She became a world traveler through her company's success.

At the age of 6, her grandmother threw her a birthday party and gave her the very first doll she ever owned. Terry has had a love of dolls since that time. Terry later went on to share her love of dolls by opening up "Terry's Doll Shop" in 1983. This shop became revered for its quality and customer service and even had a movie star stop by the shop! Later, it became a grandchild's paradise where they could play and nap and pretend amongst the dolls to their heart's content. People loved to hear her stories, and she loved to develop new friendships through the legacy and wonder of dolls.

Terry is survived by her children: David (Patti) Whitehead of Whitefish, Mont., Carolyn (Brent) Jensen, of Midland, Mich., Brent (Julie) Whitehead of Twin Falls, Idaho, Rachelle (Darrin) Borges of Idaho Falls, Idaho; fourteen grandchildren; and a quiver full of great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Twin Falls 11th Ward Building, 723 Hankins Road North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. A viewing will be held one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Twin Falls Cemetery, 2350 4th Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com