Selma Sullivan

Selma Eileen Leininger Sullivan, 89, of Jerome passed away Monday, October 16, 2017, at Ashley Manor with her son by her side.

She was born to Lloyd and Mabel (Shaver) Leininger on January 15, 1928, in Jetmore, Kansas. Selma graduated from Sheldon High School in Sheldon, Missouri in 1945 and attended Springfield Teacher’s College in Springfield, Missouri, where she obtained her Missouri teaching certificate.

Selma married James “Howard” Sullivan on July 20, 1948, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. In 1952, after teaching some years in Missouri, she and her youngest brother, Wayne, made the move to Jerome, Idaho, in May following Howard who had previously moved in February.  They rented different farms until they moved to the farm they purchased in 1960. She resided there until entering Ashley Manor two and a half years ago. Selma and Howard ran a small dairy and farmed while they both attended night class through Idaho State University held at Kimberly High School. During the summer, they attended classes on campus of Idaho State University where they each obtained their bachelor’s degree in education.

Selma started her teaching career in Idaho at Appleton Country School southwest of Jerome. She then moved to Twin Falls School District where she taught at Harrison Elementary School for 27 years before retiring in 1990. She spent her retirement years researching genealogy on the Leininger family. Her research culminated in a 597 page book that she wrote on the genealogy of the Leininger family. This book is copyrighted with the Library of Congress. She also enjoyed being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Selma is survived by her son, Barry (Carolyn) Sullivan; two granddaughters, Melissa (Todd) Rice and Sara (Steve) Otto; and two great grandsons, Hesston Otto and Stetson Rice, of Jerome; all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by two brothers, LaVerne (Helen) Leininger of Sheldon, MO; and Wayne Leininger of Jerome.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Sullivan, in 1981; parents, Lloyd and Mabel Leininger; brother, Lloyd Harold Leininger; sister, Arlene Nelson; brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson; and sister-in-law, Lola Leininger.

Viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, October 20, 2017, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln Avenue, Jerome. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Farnsworth Mortuary. Graveside service will conclude at Jerome Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Selma’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.