(August 26, 1921 – May 21, 2015)
Dona Kirkham Parkinson passed away Thursday, May 21, 2015, in St. George, Utah. She was born in Lehi, Utah, August 26, 1921, to Oliver George and LaVerde Bushman Kirkham.
Raised in Lehi with four brothers, she graduated Brigham Young University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Arts in Clothing and Textiles and began her teaching career in Bunkerville, Nevada. From Nevada she moved to Dixie College in St. George where she was a member of the faculty for 31 years, along the way earning a Master’s of Science in education and counseling from UNLV.
She served as president of the Dixie State College Faculty Association and the DSC Women’s Association. She founded the outstanding DSC pre-school and the weaving program. During her tenure at the college, she served on city, county and state boards and committees, addressing a wide range of community interests including education, women’s issues, art and music, seniors, civil defense, health and civic beautification.
Dona married Kenneth J. Parkinson and together they raised four children and have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Survivors include children, DonaLu ONeil (Jeff), Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kirk Parkinson (Gwen), Mapleton, Utah, Sara Kutz (Dan-deceased), St. George, Utah, and Tim Parkinson (Vicki), Rockville, Utah, grandchildren, Edward ONeil, Ellen Rife, Tanya Sproul, Terra Parkinson, Jason Parkinson, Kayce Parkinson and Cole Parkinson, great grandchildren, Rosalind and Mallory Rife, Kamden Sproul and Aaliyah Parkinson. Also survived by treasured niece, Gail Kirkham and her daughters, Abby and Aliza.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers.
The family wishes to acknowledge Dona’s friends at St. George Care, her many visiting friends from the community, and for the tender care of Dona’s Hospice caregivers at CNS.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held later in June when family can be together.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Parkinson Scholarship Fund at Dixie State University.
Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Dona’s online guestbook at the Spilsbury Mortuary website.