Emma Kingsford Wheeler got her angel wings on January 28, 2020.

She was born on Dec. 21, 1930 as the second child of Kenneth and Julia Kingsford. Emma grew up in Grace, Idaho then attended Ricks College in Rexburg. While there, she met the love of her life, Wayne Wheeler. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS temple on June 19, 1950.

Emma's life was devoted to service. She was always helping others in one way or another. She loved to crochet, sew, quilt, embroidery, and do other handiwork. She used this skill continually to make countless items for children, grandchildren, community projects, or the church humanitarian program.

Emma loved children. The time she served in her ward nursery was one of her favorites. Her love of children, and desire to help them also inspired her to become a foster parent. Over the course of 25 years, her and Wayne had over forty foster children come through their home. Many of these children still affectionately refer to Emma as "Mom". Mom was also influential in helping a Vietnamese family gain sponsorship to be able to come to the United States.

Emma was preceded in death by two of their children, Dwayne and Kathi, and one daughter-in-law Lola. She is survived by their children, Dennis, LaDawna, Vicky, Randy, Eldeen, Twyla, Rachael, Kevin, Letitia, David, Delwyn, Mark, Brandee, Hiram, and Alice. Emma has a total of 17 children, 56 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, January 31 at 2 p.m. at the Williams Ward Chapel in Niter. Family will visit with friends on Friday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Church prior to services. Burial will be in the Grace Cemetery.

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