Martha Claire (Markham) Kuhlman

BURLEY - Martha Claire (Markham) Kuhlman, 76, of Burley, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at her home.

Martha, the daughter of Garland Edward “Ed” Markham II and Edith “Helen” Warr Markham, was born in Albion, Idaho, on Sept. 20, 1938. By the time Martha graduated from high school, the family had already made four moves: from Albion to Buhl, to Milner, and then to View, Idaho.

After high school, Martha married Thomas L. Crandall and a short time later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Martha attended one semester at the University of Utah, picking up secretarial skills while her husband attended and earned a degree. She and Tom did team teaching in Three Creek, Idaho, and also in English Bay, Alaska (Nunwalik). During one summer, they built fence for the B.L.M. in the Malad, Idaho area. They had three children together, Thomas L Crandall II, Clair, and Terrill. Martha became a single mother in November 1971, and moved to Burley where her parents resided.

She worked in a Stoker milk dairy stop, a loan company, and then as a receptionist for Dr. Constantine Annest. In November of 1971, Martha met Kenneth R Kuhlman and they married in May of 1972 and moved to Yuma, Ariz., seven months later. Martha had added Ken and his three daughters, Karen, Rebecca, and Kathleen, to her family. This made her and Ken a sensation wherever they went. This also resulted in having four in high school at the same time, and six teenagers to bus around to a myriad of school activities. What more could a 4’-11” mother need?

Martha was an accomplished Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and a member of an inter-state V.B.S. training team. She was a church secretary for a Southern Baptist Church in Yuma, Ariz., and Richfield, Utah. While living in Torrey, Utah, Martha became a secretary for a youth at risk program (Aspen Achievement Academy) in Bicknell, Utah. In 1995, she returned with Ken to Burley to help her father in his later years.

Martha was an equal opportunity collector - children, bone dishes, figurines, spoons, and other memorabilia. She loved ceramics and crafting activities, sewing, embroidery and quilting. She belonged to the Iris Better Homes Club in Burley, and was their treasurer for a period.

She lived a full life, took care of her family, was a great mom, and a wonderful loving supportive wife and Christian woman; always looking for ways to serve her Lord and Savior Jesus. She is with Him now. No more pain, only joy and peace.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth of Burley; and her children, Karen L. (Ted) Peters of Boise, Idaho, Thomas L. (Barbara) Crandall II of Eagle River, Alaska, Clair V. (Candi) Crandall of Allen, Texas, Rebecca M. Courtney of Gilbert, Ariz., Terrill K (Joseph) Schmitt of Dolores, Colo., and Kathleen R. (Kenneth) Cobbs of Ogden, Utah; one brother, Dennis (Kathy) Markham of Twin Falls; 24 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Garland Edward Markham III; and a beloved granddaughter, Sarah.

The family would like to thank Minidoka Memorial Hospice (especially Suzanne and Mariah), and Abigail’s In Home Care (especially Lisa Horton and Leila Allred) for their effort on Martha’s behalf. In lieu of flowers, you can make donation to Alzheimer’s research.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the First Baptist Church, 2262 Hiland Ave., in Burley, with Pastor Dave Carver officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.