Theresa "Terry" Ann Whitehead

Theresa Ann (Terry) Whitehead, 92, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in the early morning hours of October 11, 2025, in Twin Falls, surrounded by family and love.

Terry was born in Burley, Idaho, on December 7, 1932, to Robert H. Hinkley and Ruby Warberg. Sadly, Ruby died when Terry was only three years old. She was the oldest of two children. She grew up in Burley, where her father bought The Herald Bulletin, a daily newspaper. She later lived in Eden, where her family owned and operated a grocery store and Bob’s Drive Inn, along with three gas pumps. Terry worked at the family grocery store where she dispensed rations to local families. She also helped her father deliver supplies to the Hunt Camp (a World War II incarceration camp). that housed Japanese Americans. Her family moved to Twin Falls, where she graduated in 1951. She participated in many school activities, including FHA (Future Homemakers of America), Pep Club, Girls League, Senate, and Girls State. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1975 at Idaho State University.

Marrying her high school sweetheart, Richard E. Whitehead, was the start of a new life. What an adventure! They lived in Memphis, Tennessee, for a time during Dick’s military service. This was where the first of their 5 beautiful children was born. Upon discharge from the Navy, they returned to Twin Falls. She and her husband loved to spend time in the mountains camping, hiking, and fishing. They frequently camped at Alturas Lake until they built a cabin in the Stanley Basin. This was a project that forever bonded the family and created a legacy of love and a lifetime of memories. Terry was the reigning Double Solitaire Champion for years.

Terry was a survivor. She had a challenging childhood. But she didn’t let that stop her from having a full life. She was also diagnosed with hepatitis and told to begin burial plans at the age of 42 years. This was a struggle for the whole family. However, with Terry’s determination, faith, and perseverance, along with the support of her husband, she went on to create an amazing life full of love and laughter.

During Terry’s early years of marriage, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she remained an active member all her life. She held many callings and responsibilities through the years. One most dear to her heart was working as a leader with the Cub Scouts/ Boy Scouts of America. This position influenced countless lives. Later, in 2009, she served a full 2-year mission with her husband, working with Young Single Adults in Twin Falls, Idaho. Despite her age, it was said that she was more effective and successful than anyone had ever been. She loved to read and dedicated time each week to learning more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and staying current with world events and community happenings.

Terry loved God and loved people. She had an amazing gift of connecting with people of all ages. She was thoughtful and took an interest in others. She recognized those in need and was able to connect with them. She often mixed her wit and wisdom to quickly become endeared to or adopted by everyone around her. She truly had a zest for life. She embodied the idea of serving others and was generous beyond words.

Reaching out to others was a spiritual gift Terry had. She had an incredible ability to serve others and recognize the worth and value in them. She often found those in need in the community, serving quietly behind the scenes. She helped countless families over the years.

Celebrations were important to Terry, and she often became the life of the party. She loved to dress up and become a big part of the fun. From becoming the Turkey Dancer at Thanksgiving or Raggedy Ann in a surprise visit to friends, for Halloween, she dressed up as a witch to answer for the children. She enjoyed shopping, boating, camping, hiking, traveling, taking her friends and family to birthday lunches, and sending confetti in every card. Terry made a tremendous effort to get to every child and grand child’s event to show her support. She knew that how the child felt on the inside was what mattered most. Terry loved getting the most out of life. She loved trying every new food or adventure that came along, including speaking in sacrament meeting at the age of 90, bull fighting in Spain, attempting to water ski (she couldn’t swim), to using reflexology or acupuncture to keep in tip top health (even though she has a wall dedicated to chocolate sayings and jokes!) Elvis, chocolate, and dolls were some of her passions.

Beyond the fun and frills, Terry was a hard, dedicated, and ambitious worker. Terry was successful at selling “World Books” encyclopedias, even winning a trip to Chicago because of her sales abilities! She was an entrepreneur, co-owner of a home improvement company, and a vending machine business. She also became a world traveler through her company’s success.

At age 6, her grandmother threw her a birthday party and gave her the very first doll she remembers ever owning. She treasured that memory all her life. Terry has had a love of dolls since that time. Terry later went on to share her love of dolls by opening up “Terry’s Doll Shop” in 1983. This shop became revered for its quality and customer service. People came from all over the state to see both collectible and trendy hot items (Beanie Babies were all the rage). Even a movie star stopped by to visit her shop! Later, it became a grandchild’s paradise where they could play and nap, and pretend amongst the dolls to their heart’s content. People loved to hear her stories, and she loved to develop new friendships through the legacy and wonder of dolls.

Although Terry had a love and passion for life, people, experiences, and her country. She loved God and her family most of all. They were her most precious possession and Crowning Jewels.

Terry is preceded in death by her husband Richard, her son Gary, her daughter-in-law Valorie, granddaughter Brenda, granddaughter Lori, her parents, and her brother Robert H Hinkley.

She leaves behind David (Patti) Whitehead of Whitefish, MT, Carolyn (Brent) Jensen of Midland, MI, Brent (Julie) Whitehead of Twin Falls, ID, Rachelle (Darrin) Borges of Idaho Falls, ID; sixteen grandchildren; and a quiver full of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Twin Falls 11th Ward Building, 723 Hankins Road North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. A viewing will be held one hour prior.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Twin Falls Cemetery, 2350 4th Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family using the guestbook section below.