Dates
Tena Della Kirkham left us to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday September 13, 2025, in Floresville, TX. Tena was born November 15, 1957, and was adopted by Noel Heath and Inez Bowen in Germany. After moving to the United States, she attended Brownwood High School and later married and was blessed with 3 children, Amber, Alexis, and Aaron. Tena gained her United States citizenship in 1991. This was one of her proudest achievements as she was a deeply patriotic American. Also in 1991, she married the love of her life, Mark Kirkham and gained another daughter, Carla. Tena and Mark traveled many backroads together chasing their children, grandchildren and one great grandchild. They both enjoyed activities that required them to be horseback including being a longtime member of the San Angelo Saddle Club, many years showing in the AQHA, and Tena especially loved the rodeo. Tena worked in many different professions including being a teacher’s aide at Grape Creek ISD, working for the Texas Workers Compensation Commission, at Shannon Hospital, and finally as a real estate agent where she found her true calling. In 2014 Tena and Mark left their longtime home in San Angelo and made south Texas their home. She was president of the Board of Realtors in Bee county for 7 years. At the time of her passing they resided in Floresville, TX.
Tena had many loves aside from her family such as animals, especially her dogs and horses. At one time she trained horses. Mark recalls she was a terrific cook, but above all she loved playing games with her family. She would travel hours to spend time with them or to watch them in any activities they were involved with.
Faith played a significant role in Tena’s life, and she knew her eternity was secured through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Mark Kirkham, her daughter Amber and husband Bill Thorton and their children Austin Honeycutt, Kyan Thorton and Ethan Thorton, her daughter Alexis and husband Justin Jackson and their children Grady Jackson and Zane Jackson, her son Aaron Busby and wife Amy and their children Kissty Busby and Paige Richardson, and her daughter Carla and husband Chili Cole and their children Cinco Cole and Pecos Cole. She is also survived by a great grandson, Oaks Hardgrave.
The graveside service and celebration of Tena’s life will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Ryan Buck officiating.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch at www.wtbr.org.
Family and friends may share condolences at ww.harper-funeralhome.com.