Iris V. Kirkpatrick, of Boise, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2002, on her 105th birthday. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at Dry Creek Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Chapel of the Chimes, Meridian. Iris Farnsworth was born in 1897 in Exline, Iowa. She attended Central Teachers College and Oklahoma State. Iris enjoyed her days as a teacher in a one-room school instructing grades 1-8. In 1917, she married Ralph Kirkpatrick shortly before he departed for World War I. Ralph and Iris owned and operated various grocery stores in Oklahoma's ever-changing boomtowns. In 1944 the couple's only son, Gerald, left to serve in World War II. During Gerald's years of service, Iris wrote letters of support almost daily. After moving to Meridian, Idaho, in 1950, Iris and Ralph ran Kirk's Hardware as well as a small farm. The couple was very active in American Legion activities and embraced the role of grandparenting. Her independent spirit along with good health enabled Iris to enjoy driving until age 95 with a clean, 73-year driving record. Iris lived in her own home until she was nearly 101. Later, Iris and her family appreciated the caring staff at Valley View. Iris' family treasures the memories of her beautiful gardens, Sunday night dinners, enthusiasm for pro football, and sweet sense of humor. Iris is survived by her son, Gerald Kirkpatrick; granddaughters, Patty Eisenbarth, and Holly and Heidi Kirkpatrick; great-grandson, Ryan Eisenbarth; and numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four sisters, three brothers and daughter-in-law. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Girls State, or a favorite charity.
She was buried on 27 Jul 2002 in Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, Ada, ID.