Steven Ray Kirkham August 3, 1951 - December 28, 2021

Steven Ray Kirkham, son of Lavon Carlson and Sheldon Kirkham, was welcomed into their loving arms early December 28, 2021. Steven was the third of eight children and born August 3, 1951, in Soda Springs Idaho. The first months of Steven’s life were normal, then he started having seizures. Steven was diagnosed with a rare disorder, Sturge-Weber Syndrome. At the time, any surgery was life threatening and Steven did not suffer from the usual heart defect, so he has had a long life.

Glaucoma, another symptom of his condition, took most of his sight and some of his enthusiasm years before his death. It is hard to tease when you can’t see.

He was preceded in death by his parents; older brothers, Robert and Rodger Kirkham; and brother-in-law, Mickey Shewmake. Mom used to tell all of us that Steven would outlive all of us; this time, she was mistaken. He is survived by his sisters, Celina (Gary) Chandler, Christina Shewmake, and Cassandra (Delbert) Reeves; as well as his younger brothers, Richard (Cheryl) and Ronald Kirkham; and many nieces and nephews.

Steven was a long-term resident at the Utah State Developmental Center. For almost 65 years, he gathered adoring friends, and shared frequent high fives, until he could no longer see. He was known for his contagious laugh, he giggled at everything and everyone. Steven was a tease and brought so much joy and heartfelt smiles to all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor.

Steven was also known for his flexibility; he could bend his body in the most amazing ways. He loved listening to music and being sung to. He enjoyed visiting the farm animals, going on van rides, going to Lagoon, being read to, sensory activities, going to the dances, listening to movies, the wheelchair swing, and going on walks.

We are beyond grateful for the care and love given to Steven by so many people. There is no possible way to fully express our gratitude to the many caregivers he had over his long stay in American Fork.

Steven will be laid to rest next to his parents at the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah on Monday, January 3, 2022. There will be a brief graveside service at 2:00 p.m. for those who knew and loved Steven.