Mae Searle Kirkendall

On August 27 , 2025, Mae Arave Searle Kirkendall peacefully returned to her father in heaven surrounded by her loving family at her son’s home.

Mae was born January 12, 1935, in Jameston, Idaho, to Lyman Alma Arave and Mary Louise Anderson Arave. She was the fourth child in a family of ten. She attended grade school in Jameston and then continued her education in Salmon, Idaho, after the family relocated in 1945. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roger Lee Searle, at the age of twelve.

Years later, they were married February 28, 1951, in Salmon and the marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple. To this union, three children were born: Linda Lou, Kandi Lee and Kyle Roger.

Mae was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life. She was called to serve in various positions in the church including working in the Special Needs Adult Primary program.

Later in life, she went back to school to become a licensed practical nurse where she graduated top of her class and as a result was invited to meet the Governor. Mae was very proud of that accomplishment. She worked 14 years at the Riverview LDS hospital.

When she left the hospital, she accepted elderly patients into her home and gave loving care to all and to each lady, a doll for her very own. She also became one of the first personal care service providers in the state of Idaho for special needs kids when she accepted Gerardo, who still resides with the family.

After her family, her next love was horses. Mae was a member of many equine clubs including the Bonneville County Sheriffs’ Posse, where she served as drill master several times and champion of many competitions. She was a member of the Golden Valley Girls, and a 4-H horse leader.

Mae and Roger built a beautiful farm on St. Claire (15th East) and raised, and competed on, their Appaloosa horses. Mae’s prized horses were named “Tonka” and “Cochise.” Roger passed in 1993.

On December 8, 1999, after a lengthy courtship, she married Cliff Kirkendall Jr., and they embarked on a worldwide adventure of travel.

Mae is survived by her children, Linda (Geof) Halter of Idaho Falls, Kandi (Kevin) Knudsen of Arizona, Kyle (Veronica) Searle of Idaho Falls; her sisters, Chris (Ron) Wheeler of Idaho Falls, LaRae (Floyd Rammell, Ed Kearsley) Kearsley of Idaho Falls; one brother, Larry (Keri) Arave of Kuna, Idaho; sisters-in-law, Colleen Arave of Blackfoot, Idaho, Verla Arave of Arco, Idaho, and Karen Arave of Wittmann, Arizona; eight grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by both her husbands, Roger and Cliff; her parents; six brothers, Dale, Fred, Ralph, Neal, Kieth, and GaryArave; her brothers-in-law, Bud, Ron, Floyd, and Ed; her sister-in-law, Patty (Ralph) Arave; and son-in-law, Geof (Linda).

The family extends their heartfelt thank you to Promontory Point, especially Michelle, and Brio Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to services, both times at the funeral home. Burial will be at Taylor Cemetery.