Frances K Irish

Frances Kathryn (Smith) Irish was born December 17, 1933 to Willis D. And Kathryn Elizabeth Smith in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the third of five children; Betty (stillborn), Carlton Willis, Frances, Howard D., and Margaret Marie.

Frances lived in Twin Falls all her childhood and most of her adult life. She grew up on Quincy Street, just down the road from her childhood sweetheart, Delmar Rex Irish. Their first date was the Filer Fair in 1949. It was love at first sight! Delmar was drafted into the service in 1950 and he convinced her to marry him before he left for an overseas tour during the Korean War. They were married on March 17, 1951 in honor of St. Patrick's Day and the Irish! She lived with her parents in Twin Falls until Delmar returned from the war.

When Delmar returned, he went back to work at Utah Wholesale and two years later, they welcomed their first child, Shannon into the world. Nineteen months later, Gary was born. Four years later Brad was born, and Bryan quickly followed 16 months after. They loved being together as a family and would often go on Sunday drives. Frances was a wonderful mother and loved her children and spouse more than anything.

Frances spent all her time raising her children and running them around to their different activities. She had a strong faith in God and taught her children the gospel by example. As her children grew up and got married she loved her grandchildren! They brought her so much joy, and they all called her Grandma Frances. She was all 15 of her grandkids' number one fan and attended every event "with bells on!"

In 1994, Frances and Delmar moved to Pocatello, Idaho. They continued to chase kids and grandkids around and also started going to Yuma, Arizona to get out of the cold Pocatello winters. They made some lifelong friends in all their travels and enjoyed the warm weather.

In 2001, their first great-grandchild was born! This was only the beginning of 37 great-grandchildren they would have! Frances helped babysit several of the great-grandchildren at different times. She always said "There's not a homely one in the bunch!" Her face would light up every time she would see them, and she gave the best big hugs!

Frances was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed creating. She was meticulous about how she looked and would "press" everything before wearing it, even her jeans. She loved to shop and had a great sense of fashion. She always had to have matching shoes! She played cards every other Thursday with seven of her friends and wouldn't miss it for the world.

Frances attended the LDS Chubbuck 2nd Ward and had a strong testimony of the gospel. Family was the most important thing to her. She loved to study family history and loved to learn about her ancestors. She was a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP).

On their 55th wedding anniversary, Frances and Delmar were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. It was a joyful day.

Frances had the ability to love everyone deeply and was a strong example for those around her. She will be greatly missed on this earth.

She is survived by; her husband, Delmar R. Irish; daughter, Shannon (Dennis) Sudweeks, Pocatello; sons, Brad (Dixi) Irish, Twin Falls, Bryan (Tammy) Irish, Pocatello; 15 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and her son, Gary.
There will be an open house at the LDS Building on Independence Street in Chubbuck on Thursday, February 11, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday February 12, 2016 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Condolences may be sent to the family online at wilksfuneralhome.com.