Leona Gardner "Muffet" Birch, wife of Gene Birch, died early Thursday morning, March 21, 2013, following a lengthy illness.

Leona was born April 8, 1925 in Teton, Idaho, the eighth of 12 children born to Teton native Thomas Gardner and his wife, Marie Neibaur. Life in a farming community in those days was not easy, and like her siblings, she was no stranger to hard work. Music and singing were a big part of every Gardner family get-together, and Muffet could often be seen dancing as she went about her chores.

She married Gene Earl Birch, of St. Anthony, on Nov. 27, 1943, and kept the home fires burning in Teton and St. Anthony until her soldier husband returned from the war. The couple later moved to Ammon, where they lived for more than 50 years, and where they celebrated their 69th anniversary in November.

Leona is survived by her husband, Gene Birch, and their children: Vickie and Don Crow, of Teton, Sandra Birch, of Salt Lake City, Thomas Bruce and Kathy Birch, of Springville, UT, Michelle and Elias De la Cruz, of West Jordan, UT, and Leda and Dan Chavez, of Sandy, UT; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Of her large family of origin, only three siblings are left to mourn: Anthony "Dip" and Crystal Gardner, of St. Anthony, Dean and Vena Gardner, of Quincy, WA, and Carol Johnson, of Idaho Falls.

Her family was the focal point of her life, but her "family" extends far beyond her home: her favorite hobby was collecting people whom she loved as her own. In her last years, some of these "adopted" children have been a source of tremendous joy to her. You have our heartfelt thanks.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, in the Ammon 1st Ward building, 3000 Central Ave. in Idaho Falls. Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at Bidwell Funeral Home in St. Anthony, and one hour prior to services Monday at the church in Idaho Falls. Burial will be in Teton-Newdale Cemetery.

Published in Post Register on March 23, 2013