Ann Smirl

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Martha Ann Keim Smirl died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at her home in Chapel Hill.

She was born July 18, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dr. John Harry and Martha Ellis Keim.

Ann graduated from the University of Kansas School of Physical Therapy in 1957. She married William Roberts Smirl in 1957.

Ann was a member and past senior warden of Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau. Her skill in needle-pointing may be seen in the cushions at Christ Episcopal Church, which were done in memory of her father. Her gift of love to her children and grandchildren was a needlepoint Christmas stocking for each one. Ann was a gourmet cook and read recipes like a good novel. Her table was never boring!

Survivors include her three sons, Christopher Keim (Ruping) Smirl of Atlanta, Timothy Roberts (Cheryl) Smirl of Apex, North Carolina, and John August Smirl of Edwards, Colorado; grandchildren, Jessica Smirl of St. Augustine, Florida, Joseph (Coleen) Smirl of St. Louis, Justin Leguillow of Raleigh, North Carolina, Henry August Smirl of Fort Collins, Colorado, Ivy Kathryn Smirl of Santa Barbara, California, and George William Smirl of Edwards; and sister, Sue K. Balsamo of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Those friends wishing to remember Ann may consider the Organ Fund of Christ Episcopal Church, 38 N. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.