IFHS Class of 1961

08/12/2026

Our beautiful classmate Sherry McNamara Watkins passed away yesterday, August 11, 2026. Sherry had been ill for several years. In high school, Sherry was crowned Homecoming Queen in our senior year. She was also a member of Pep Club and Dance Club and served on the staff of the Spud Bi-Weekly. The Class of 1961 sends love and sincere condolences to Sherry's husband, Dane Watkins, who is also our dear classmate and friend, as well as to Sherry and Dane's large family and to all of their beloved friends. Sherry's funeral will be Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m.

View Sherry Marlene McNamara Watkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/11/2026

Here’s a large group of candid photos from our IFHS Class of ‘61 65th Year Reunion on 8/8/26. There was so much fun and laughter in the room as friends reconnected! (When you ask your awesome daughters to help, you get LOTS of pictures! Thanks to Polly and Mary for capturing some very special moments!)

08/11/2026

Here is a video from our IFHS Class of 1961 65th Year Reunion on 8/8/26. Terry Young tells the story of Larry Carlson and friends stealing Principal Glenn Manion’s old junker car, rebuilding it, and giving it back to him, totally refurbished. (This Facebook Business site will only allow us to post one video at a time!)

08/11/2026

At our 65th Year Reunion on Saturday night, August 8 at the Sandpiper Restaurant, every classmate and their guests received an orange IF bag with lots of goodies inside. At least 20 lucky classmates received door prizes. The party started at four and ended at 8 o’clock and surprisingly, no one walked out on us! It was a wonderful evening!

08/11/2026

Our 65th Year Reunion at the Sandpiper Restaurant on Saturday night, August 8, was a wild and wonderful party! We were astonished at the turnout. Nearly 90 people had signed up to come; a few didn’t show up, and a few unexpected classmates surprised us. We had a near capacity room with 53 classmates and 33 of their guests. What a tribute to the dedication of the IFHS Class of 1961! (Can you believe the ladies in front being able to sit on the cement!?)

08/04/2026

Classmates of IFHS 1961! Don't forget our 65th year reunion coming up this Saturday, August 8, at 4 p.m. at the Sandpiper Restaurant in Idaho Falls! That day will be busy in town, with the Great Snake River Duck Race and a huge festival all day along both sides of the river, so there will be plenty of action on Saturday if you're interested. This just in: Paul Ahlstrom has reserved a room at Smitty's Pancake House at 645 W. Broadway on Friday night at 6 p.m. for an icebreaker. So, if you're in town on Friday night, come say hello and enjoy a no-host dinner before the reunion! See you in Idaho Falls for our BIG 65th Reunion.

07/15/2026

We are sad to report that another dear friend and classmate has passed away. DeAnne Brown (Whiting) died at her home in Herriman, Utah on July 11, 2026 from causes incident to age. During her high school years, DeAnne sang in the A Ca****la Choir and the Senior Sextette, marched in Tigerettes, and was a candidate for Miss Idaho Falls. Her beautiful soprano voice took her far in life, so be sure to read her wonderful obituary. The IFHS Class of 1961 sends sincere sympathy to DeAnne's dear family members and all her friends.

View DeAnne Whiting's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/03/2026

With great sadness, we must announce the passing of Connie Maxfield Carlson on June 28, 2026. Connie was the beloved wife of our classmate Larry Carlson, who passed away in 2023. Without question, Connie was one of the greatest fans and supporters of the Class of 1961, in spite of graduating from Bonneville High. Connie did all the paperwork for our class reunions for the first fifty years. Most often she could track down all but a handful of classmates before each reunion, not an easy feat with over 500 students in our Class. After the 50th reunion, she turned all her bookwork and databases over to the Class. Thanks to her amazing skills, we still use most of the addresses and phone numbers for our classmates that she amassed through the years. With deepest gratitude to Connie for her thousands of hours of service to IFHS Class of 1961, we are sending loving sympathy to all of Larry and Connie's families and their dear friends at this tender time.

View Connie Anne Carlson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

In case anyone needs hotel suggestions for the class reunion, here are a few ideas. The Sandpiper is a stand-alone restaurant at 750 Lindsay Boulevard, directly south of the Shilo Hotel. Going further south of the Sandpiper, and on the same side of the road, you will find these hotels: Clarion, Hilton Garden Inn, and Tru by Hilton. The Hampton Inn is just across the street from Tru and within walking distance to Applebee's and Chili's. The most affordable hotels on Lindsay seem to be either the Shilo, Motel 6 or Super 8. All these ideas are walkable if you're up to it, but the Sandpiper also has a fairly large parking lot. Make your reservations early to get the best price!

03/25/2026

In case you haven't heard, IFHS Class of 1961 is planning a remarkable 65th year Class Reunion on August 8, 2026! The party will be held at the Sandpiper Restaurant on Lindsay Boulevard in Idaho Falls with a mixer beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a class picture at 5 p.m., and a dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Watch your mailbox or let us know if you haven't received your invitation! More information and ideas for lodging, etc., will follow.