Lee Birch

Lee Birch, 92, of Idaho Falls, died April 4, 2010, at his home of pneumonia and other age related illness. He had been under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice.

He was born July 22, 1917, in Wilford, Idaho, to William Birch and Sarah Elizabeth Welch. He grew up in Wilford and graduated from Sugar Salem High School in 1936.

On Feb. 21, 1938, he married Ruth Huskinson in Idaho Falls. On Jan. 15, 1958, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were happily married for 72 years. He lived in Teton and farmed in Idaho Falls and Rexburg.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Lincoln Ward bishopric, as a temple worker and did German record extraction for many years. He enjoyed horses and, in his younger years, he enjoyed fishing. He raised cattle and was good with animals. Lee gave many hours of service throughout his life. Lee was a man of integrity, honesty and his word was his bond; he especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Birch of Idaho Falls; children, Barry Lee Birch of River Edge, N.J., Bruce H. (Ginger) Birch of Fruitland, Linda Jo (Kevin) Bailey of Pocatello and Cheryl (Hal) Simmons of Idaho Falls; siblings, Dean Stephen Birch of Idaho Falls and Norma Roberts of Fillmore, Utah; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Janice Birch; a baby brother; and two sisters, Gladys Furness and Thelma Kirkham.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, with Bishop Van Sargent officiating. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services at the mortuary. Burial will be in Wilford Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.