Verla Mae Bird, 78, of Idaho Falls, passed away on March 2, 2026, at her home.

Verla was born on May 11, 1947, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Virgil Hobbs Mickelsen and Lillis Burbank Mickelsen. She grew up in the St. Anthony area and graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1965. She continued her education and earned her nursing degree.

On September 19, 1966, she married James Michael Bird in the Idaho Falls Temple. To this union, four children were born. She worked at Idaho Falls LDS Hospital and Utah Valley Hospital before the family settled in Idaho Falls, and she worked for various medical facilities, the last being Dr. Gene Petty.

Verla was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, including as Relief Society President, Primary President, and Young Women President. Along with her husband, they served in the Rochester New York Mission.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially her family.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Bird of Rexburg, Idaho; her daughters: Dianne (Blake) Loveland of Rexburg, Idaho, Melanie (John) Radford of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Teresa (Dustin) Pancheri of Idaho Falls, Idaho; her sister, Linda Bidwell; 15 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Lillis Mickelsen; her brother, Wayne Mickelsen; and her sister, Carol Murri.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Highland Ward Chapel, 955 Memorial Drive. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Teton-Newdale Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

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