Renee Kirkham

Renee Shepard Kirkham, 86, of Chico, peacefully died Thursday, January 7, 2010, at home after a lengthy illness. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 7, 1923 to Emorette Anderson and Dr. James Leo Shepard. She was the youngest of four children. She attended schools in Salt Lake City, and graduated from East High School in 1940. She completed her education at the University of Utah and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. While in college, she belonged to the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She married Oscar Ned Kirkham on December 27, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last month. Following her marriage she relocated with Ned to California where he was attending Stanford University. Renee worked briefly until children came. She then devoted herself to being a homemaker and mother. She moved with Ned as he was transferred in Managerial positions with Bank of America. This included San Francisco, Sanger, Chico (1966), Fresno (1976), and back to Chico (1981). Renee was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various teaching and leadership positions within the church's Women's Relief Society, Primary Children's program, and Young Women's program. She also volunteered in several community organizations. She enjoyed riding her bicycle until her mid-70's. Renee had a flare for interior decorating and entertaining. The front walkway of her home was always lined with potted flowers that she maintained. She also was active in Chico's Cosmos book club, and played in local bridge groups. Renee and Ned traveled extensively after his retirement. She enjoyed traveling, reading, journal keeping, and sewing. Renee and Ned played a daily game of Gin Rummy from 1986 until the last few days of her life. Renee is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ned; a son, Dan; a daughter, Jennifer, all of Chico; and a sister, Marjorie Curtis of St. George, Utah. She was preceded in death by her father (1966), her mother (1974), a sister, Hortense Davis (1974), and a brother, L. Reid Shepard (2004,) both of Salt Lake City. At Renee's request, there will be a private family burial at the Gridley-Biggs District Cemetery. This will be followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at Alamo and West East Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Enloe Hospital Foundation for use in the Oncology Center, or the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. Brusie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.