Mrs. Nellie A. Kirby, nee Dever, 88, formerly of Breese and New Haven, Illinois, passed away at her home at The Renaissance of Ponca City, Ponca City, Oklahoma on Tuesday, September 6, 2005.   

Nellie Anita Kirby was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 13, 1917 to Fred and Anna Dever.  They later moved to New Haven, Illinois where she attended Ridgeway High School.  She worked for Mr. Orval Allen, Township Supervisor, for many years.

 Nellie became the caregiver for Dr. James Kirby’s children during his first wife’s illness and continued to do so after her death.  Dr. Kirby and Nellie were married on July 16, 1957 at St. Patrick’s Pond Settlement Church. They continued to reside in New Haven until their move to Breese in 1965.

 While in New Haven, Nellie was very active in school, church, and community events. She served as president of the Parent Teacher Association and as a member of the Pecan Day committee.  Upon her move to Breese, she continued her service by working in the as school crossing guard, as choir member at St. Dominic, and at many of the church activities.  At St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary Nellie worked as a volunteer at the hospital, and for many years was chairman of the Lights for Scholarship program.

 Nellie will be remembered for her winning smile and chuckle and her love of children of all ages.  She was always an energetic worker, whether it was for home, family, friend, neighbor, or organization and was happiest when she could be giving to others.  She will be remembered for being a good wife, mother, family member, and friend.   

Nellie Kirby is survived by three children, Sheila Rahme and husband, George of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Thomas Kirby and wife, Carol of Belleville, Illinois; and Gary Kirby and wife, Rachelle of Pueblo, Colorado.  She is also survived by several grandchildren: Virginia, Victoria and Dawn Rahme, Kelly, Emily and Madeline Kirby, Raymond James Kirby and Hayden Zimmerman, numerous nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces.

 Honorary pall bearers will be members of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, and All Saints’ Academy crossing guards.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James Kirby, on April 29, 2005, her parents, one brother, four sisters, and a grandson.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese, Illinois with the Rev. Patrick Peter officiating.  Visitation will be Saturday, September 17, 2005 from 9:00-11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Breese.  Arrangements are made by the Trout Funeral Home of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Moss Funeral Home of Breese, Illinois.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to All Saints’ Academy, 295 N. Clinton St., Breese, Illinois or to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, Lights for Scholarship Program, 9515 Holy Cross Lane, Breese, Illinois, 62230.