Lorraine Kirkham

Lorraine Rose Kirkham

May 6, 1949 - January 6, 2023

Lorraine Rose Kirkham passed away at the age of 73 on January 6, 2023, in West Jordan, Utah after a courageous battle with gallbladder cancer.

Lorraine was born May 6, 1949, to Alice Ruth Sederholm Rose and Lt Col. Horace Stephen Rose. She was the youngest of four daughters. She quickly gained a love of travel with her father being stationed in many different bases around the world.

She graduated from Viewmont High School and attended a nursing program at BYU.

Lorraine met the love of her life, Sheldon Kirkham, on a blind date. She was so nervous that she almost sent her roommate in her place. Last minute decided to go, and it was love at first sight. It was the beginning of a beautiful love story that would continue to grow for the next 46 years. They were married six months later, on April 16, 1976 in the Salt Lake Temple. She loved Sheldon with every fiber of her being. For years, she would often look forward to her favorite time, the end of the day, when the two of them would sit down, sharing their thoughts about their day, and watch MASH.

Lorraine always maintained a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served diligently in various callings throughout her life, including Primary President and Relief Society President of her ward in West Jordan. She loved to serve, was always reliable, dedicated, and loved the Lord.

Professionally, she worked for ZCMI and subsequently at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District as a Administrative Assistant where she met many great and life-long friends.

Lorraine made friends wherever she would go. She looked forward to gathering with these friends and cherished the relationships that she developed over the years. Lorraine's beautiful smile lightened up the entire room, always so warm and welcoming. Friends recognized quickly this sweet and gracious woman. Those who knew her would say they are blessed to be able to call her their friend.

Lorraine played a very pivotal role in her family dynamic, being very loving and supportive. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow. She attended as often as possible their many recitals, sporting events, and other activities.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, Sheldon Benjamin Kirkham and their six children, Jennifer Kirkham, Jason Kirkham (Mellyn), Joy Bateman (Ryan), Emily Miller (Kirk), Andrea Huber (Josh), Ashely James (Nathan), their 22 grandchildren, and their 4 great-grandchildren, with one baby girl coming in April. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Carolyn Dillon.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Nadine Nethery and Margaret Griffin, and late husband Robert Shannon.

Sheldon and Lorraine's family wish to thank all of the wonderful nurses, doctors, and caregivers that have provided such great care for Lorraine these last few months.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, from 9:30 am until 10:45 am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel, 2901 W. 9000 S. West Jordan, Utah. Interment will take place at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.

Funeral Livestream is available at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/98557128056?pwd=MUVyUFlNUHRLS2F5em1vZWFTaXl1UT09

Passcode: 594917