Shirlene Withers

Karen Shirlene Jones Withers, 84, of Rexburg, Idaho passed away October 25, 2026 at her home in Hibbard, Idaho.

Shirlene was born in Rexburg, Idaho in 1941 to James Levi Jones and Fern Etta Hayes. She was a lifelong resident of Hibbard and attended Hibbard Elementary, Madison Junior High and Madison High School. Following graduation, she married Merl P. Withers on June 2, 1960 in the Idaho Falls Temple. She and Merl just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this summer.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she lived her faith visibly, often acknowledging the hand of God in her life. She has served in many capacities in her ward and always went the extra mile to serve those around her. She really enjoyed the time that she and Merl spent serving in the Rexburg Temple in the baptistry. They served there for over ten years until her health declined and she was unable to do so.

Shirlene had many talents. For many years, Shirlene helped Merl’s parents with their greenhouse. She helped during the transplanting season and then would help to sell the plants in the spring. Shirlene was a wonderful seamstress and made her children’s clothes when they were young. She also quilted for people and spent many hours making beautiful quilts for family and others. She also enjoyed doing embroidery work.

Shirlene’s greatest joy was her family. She was a great wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed family gatherings and loved visits from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had the ability to draw family near and strengthen and nourish those relationships.

Shirlene is survived by her husband, Merl P. Withers and children Lesa F. Withers, Darren M. Withers, Paula K. Kugler, Ryan “J” Withers (Jamie Golightly) and brother Virgil J. Jones (Fern Siepert), as well as eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Thursday, Oct 29 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at Flamm Funeral Home (61 N 1st E, Rexburg, ID) and Friday, Oct 30 from 10:00-10:45 am at the Hibbard LDS Church (2001 N 3000 W, Rexburg, ID). The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30 at the Hibbard LDS Church. The funeral will be live streamed through Flamm Funeral Home. The link will be added to the obituary the day of the funeral.

The Withers family would like to thank members of the Hibbard 5th Ward, The Homestead Hospice Team, doctors, nurses, friends and family who have been so kind, helpful and giving of their time to Shirlene over the past few years.