BLUHM, Alta Babcock Kirk 1908-2008 

Alta Maud Babcock Kirk Bluhm died peacefully on Aug. 6, 2008. 

She was born Oct. 9, 1908, in Beavercreek. She graduated from the Oregon College of 
Education and taught school in both Clackamas and Washington County school 
systems. In 1934 she married Ival Kirk; they had four children, (twin boys, another son 
and daughter) the youngest being two months, when "Ike" was killed in action during 
World War II, 1944. She married Harold Bluhm in 1947, whose wife had died of an 
illness, gaining two daughters. Harold passed away of a heart attack in 1975. 

Alta's devotion to her family was immeasurable. She was dedicated to her family, 
grandchildren, church and community. Her organizations and affiliations were 
numerous; she was an officer of Concord Elementary PTA, president of Milwaukie High 
School PTA, served on Concord School Board before it was consolidated into the 
North Clackamas system and served on the committee that built Riverside School, 
served on the building committee for the Clackamas County Historical Society Museum, 
did hours of volunteer work at the Museum of the Oregon Territory and the 
Stevens-Crawford Heritage House, active member of Milwaukie Lutheran Church, 
served on the church council, building committee and taught Sunday School for many 
years; president of Milwaukie Lutheran Church Women and was educational chairman 
of the Portland Conference, 1979-1984; lifetime member of Waldo Caulfield VFW 
auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary #7324, Gold Star Wives of America, Clackamas County Retired 
Teachers, Oregon Retired Educator Association, past officer of Oregon City Women's 
Club and in 1984 received the Citizen of Dedication. 

Survived by her children, Marian Bluhm Martenson (Donald), Beverly Bluhm Stone 
(Murvel), Larry Kirk (Donna), Gary Kirk (Beverly), Dennis Kirk (Mary), Kareen Kirk 
Kimsey (Jim) 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three 
great-great-grandchildren. 

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at Milwaukie Lutheran Church. In lieu of 
flowers, the family request donations in Alta's name to one of the following 
organizations: Willamette Falls Hospice, Milwaukie Lutheran Church, Museum of 
Oregon Territory, or Stevens-Crawford Heritage House. 

Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits. 

Funeral arrangements by Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud, Oregon City, 503-656-2661 

Published in The Oregonian on 8/8/2008