Leverne Irene Hilton Lehmkuhl, age 94, Nampa, ID went to her heavenly reward on Friday, May 20, 2011, after living 19 months at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly in Nampa, following strokes. The family wishes to thank all the staff there for their wonderful care.

Leverne was born November 12, 1916 in Hingham, Montana, oldest of eight children born to Joseph Elmer Hilton and Nora Ellen Denton Hilton of Rudyard, Montana.

The family moved west to the Mission Valley in Montana in the mid 30s. There, Leverne married John Hayden Lehmkuhl on September 1, 1938. They had two children, John Elmer (1939) and Joan Verna (1943). The family lived in St. Ignatius, Charlo, Missoula and Ronan. Then, in 1977, she and John moved to Idaho, and lived in Nampa. Leverne shared her love of Jesus with many, teaching Sunday school in Missoula and Ronan. In Nampa, she ministered to others by helping with services at Midland Manor, for 26 years, pushing wheelchairs to and from the Sunday service, and leading the residents singing the beloved old hymns. All of nature was vital to her, and growing flowers gave such pleasure. As a skilled seamstress, she sewed professionally, quilted uncounted masterpieces, and crocheted other projects. She loved cooking wonderful meals, and was famous for her special recipes

Leverne was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1991, and by her parents, Elmer and Nora Hilton, sisters Ruby Jette and Elnora James, brothers Ora, killed in Tunisia, North Africa, Austin who returned after his service, and Lawrence, who just died six days prior to her..

She is survived by two sisters, Eileen Clifford, Gaston, OR and Florence Behling, Kalispell, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. The immediate family surviving, are son John and wife Wanda Lehmkuhl of Payette,ID and daughter Joan Lehmkuhl of Nampa, ID, grandson John Martin, his wife Caroline Lehmkuhl and daughter Hannah, of Portland, granddaughter Dana, her husband Mark Turner, of Payette, and their children, Kristin. Melanee, Holly Rourke, Leah and Rachel Turner. Friends are invited to share in the celebration of her life at 11 oclock a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the First Christian Church, 180 NW 1st St. Ontario, OR. followed by continued remembrances at a luncheon, 2141 Bonney Dr, Payette, ID, home of John and Wanda.

Service Information First Christian Church 619 12th Ave. S. Nampa, ID 83651