Deanne
Elmer Birks
August 11, 1937-December 4, 2020
On December 4, 2020 the gentle soul of Deanne Elmer Birks made
her way to her Heavenly Home into the loving arms of her son Lee and her
Father-in-Law Orville Edwin Birks, which she had a very close relationship
with. Soon after this joyous reunion into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus
Christ, in which she had the strongest testimony of and love for throughout her
life.
What began as an ordinary day soon became the start of an
extraordinary life when Deanne came into this mortal world on August 11, 1937
to the loving arms of her parents, John Daniel Elmer and Rose Thompson Elmer.
Deanne was also welcomed at home by her older brother Wayne Elmer. She was the
2nd of 4 children and lovingly was followed by her sisters Lorraine and June.
Deanne was married and
sealed to her devoted and eternal companion, George Boyd Birks,
in the Logan Temple on August 5, 1960. They recently celebrated Deanne’s 83rd
Birthday, their 60th Wedding Anniversary and Boyd’s 90th Birthday in the best
ways that circumstances would allow.
Their first apartment as husband and wife was on 7th East followed by a duplex
in the Avenues of Salt Lake City until 1969. It was in these homes that they
were blessed with two sons, Randy and Lee. In 1969 they moved into their final
home in Woods Cross Utah. It was in this home they were blessed with their only
daughter Tina.
Deanne was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. She believed and lived everyday through the strength of the
Gospel, Priesthood, Prayer and the strong belief of Tithing. Deanne led by
example and anyone that was blessed to know her never had to wonder about her
true unconditional love for them. She served with her husband as primary
teachers and had many, many children grow up into amazing missionaries that
always remembered the influence and love from Boyd and Deanne throughout the
years. Deanne had a tremendous influence in keeping her family on the right
track. Everywhere Deanne went she had a conference talk, church articles or
books with her. She loved to read and learn all she could about the Gospel. Her
Testimony was so strong that it carried over and touched everyone she knew or
met. She was a very uplifting and amazing soul that made this world a better
place for having her in it.
Deanne lived a life full of trials, tribulations and always
struggled with her health. If you were to ask her about these though, rather
than concentrate on the hardships she would tell you about her blessings. She
was blessed with the devotion, love and hard work of her husband Boyd
throughout their marriage. Deanne never lived a rich life in terms of money,
however, she would be the first to tell you that she was the richest woman
there was. She treasured her family and her faith with all her heart and soul.
Her children were taught how to unconditionally love everyone and most
important to her, they were taught the true love of Christ. Upon the death of
her beloved son Lee, she had a calm and peace about her in knowing that he was
in the arms of our Savior. Deanne always lived her life in a way that she would
know that she too would be welcomed into his arms someday and be made whole
again. Deanne never wavered on this faith and lived with hope and grace until
her last breathe on this earth.
Deanne was very
dedicated to writing in journals, keeping pictures labeled to ensure family
history was intact, loved to read and do word searches. She was always very
organized and always kept very good book keeping records for herself and Boyd
over the years. Deanne made it a point to never miss sending a birthday card to
everyone she loved. She had a talent for crocheting and used this to skill to
make hats and booties for newborn babies in the ward for many years. Deanne was
always so willing to share her knowledge and taught her children how to take
care of children with the same unconditional love that she had given to them.
Deanne did daycare in her home for many years to help take some financial
burden off of Boyd. She loved taking care of children and treated each as her
own. She was a 2nd Mom to many and took care of anyone that was lucky enough to
come across her path.
Her children blessed her with 12 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren with
one more on the way.
They are her treasured legacy that she loved and supported with all of her
heart and soul.
Deanne wanted so dearly to make blankets for each of her
grandchildren until her health declined too far. She has left greater gifts to
them in the lessons and love she taught and gave to them throughout their
lives. Her family will never have to wonder about how much she loved and
cherished them. Her family was her heart.
Deanne resided and was cared for over the past few months at the
Washington Terrace Care Center, following a stroke while fighting dementia. She
is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her miracle baby Lee, and many
family members. Without a doubt she is enjoying a joyous reunion with them all.
Deanne is survived by
her devoted husband George Boyd Birks, son Randy(Stacey) Birks, daughter Tina
Birks Jones, 12 Grandchildren…Kyle(Allison) Birks, Joshua(Jennifer) Jones,
Andrew(Jessica) Birks, Jeremiah(Jami) Jones,
Kaden Birks, Emma Birks, Spencer Birks, Kenzey Birks, Shelby Birks, Ben Jones,
Jacob Birks, and Jenika Jones.
10 Great Grandchildren. Abigail, Jaycen, Aubrie, Wyatt, Emberlee, Sarah,
Isabella, Waylon, Laurel and Avery due in April 2021.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December
12, 2020 at the Woods Cross 6th Ward, 800 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah. A
viewing will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the
same location. Interment will be at Memorial Lake View Cemetery, 1640 East
Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.
This is my favorite photo of Aunt Deanne and Uncle Boyd. You never saw the two of them apart. They were best friends and such a sweet couple. This photo was taken after they came to visit my dad while he was in the hosptial in February 2018. As they were leaving the hosptital, I snapped this sweeet photo of them. He always held on tight to her. I love you Aunt Deanne. Thanks for all you taught me about showing love to everyone. God be with you until we meet again.
