Oleve Kittinger Kirkham

Oleve Kittinger Kirkham, 100, died on July 28, 2014 in Bountiful Utah. She was born October 15, 1913 in Bingham, Utah to Oliver Leach and Sarah Ann (Davis) Kittinger.

Oleve married Earl Kay Kirkham in 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple and remained devout in the LDS Church all her life, serving in many church callings. An especially enjoyable time in her life was when she and Kay relocated to California by invitation from the LDS Church to establish a Genealogical Library at the Los Angeles Temple.

She showed an early talent in music, teaching piano at age 15 and continuing throughout her life. She was a member and President of the Alpha Dorian music Club and was also member and President (1980) of the Utah Music Teachers Association, Salt Lake Chapter. She enjoyed reading-- belonging to several books clubs.

The fun she had with her children and grandchildren was one of the great joys of her life. She had a zest for living life to the fullest. She enjoyed being around people and loved to serve them. Even in her later years she kept informed and aware of current events. She was active in genealogy and a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

She is survived by three children: Stephen (Linda) Kirkham of Bountiful, Utah; Laurel (Richard) Ross of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; and Dan (Patricia) Kirkham of San Diego, California. She has 21 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, Lael Birch.

The family would like to thank Avalon Care Center and Inspiration Hospice and their employees for the manner of care that they gave to our mother.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday August 6, 2014 at the Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South. Online memories and tributes can be posted to the family at www.HolbrookMortuary.com