Irene Suzanna Willert Gibford

Irene Suzanna Willert was born on May 16, 1924, to Pete and Petra Willert in Richie. Soon after graduating Richie High School, in 1942, Irene married Donald Kirsch. When Donald joined the Navy, they moved to San Diego, California, where Irene worked as a Lady Riveter at an air defense plant.

After the war they returned to Bloomfield, where they had their first daughter, Lynn, in 1946. The family then moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1950, and soon after they welcomed their second daughter, Liane, in 1951. Donaled passed away in 1954, and in 1956, Irene fell in love with and married long time Bitterrot Valley resident Ronald Gibford. In their 44 years of marriage, Ron and Irene logged the mountains, had a successful Christmas tree business and were active members in the Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen.

Irene was a founding member of the Junior Sheriff's Posse and was an accomplished competitive trail rider. She was also an active member of the Appaloosa Club, Cowbells and Saddle Tramps in the valley.

Irene is preceded in death by four siblings, her husband Ronald Gibford and her daughter Liane Griffith.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn Kirsch; granddaughters Petra Chandler and Alix Schultz (Ross), and her great-grandchildren Jackson, Maddox and Ridley; and her sister Marian Jenkins. At Irene's request, there will not be a service. Both Irene and Ron's ashes will be scattered in the Bitterroot Selway Wilderness. In lieu of flowers, please submit donations to the Bitterroot Humane Association.