Esther Kirby

Esther K. Kirby, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born March 13, 1926, at Fairfax, Mo., daughter of the Rev. August C. and Marcia Secor Klamm. She grew up in King City, Mo.

She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, where she met her husband, Norman Kirby. They were married Feb. 11, 1950.

Mrs. Kirby volunteered 26 years with the Cape Girardeau County unit of the American Cancer Society, and was a volunteer member of Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary. Other interests were creating wearing apparel, needlework and crafts, genealogy, traveling, collecting spoons and hummingbirds, and being with family and friends.

She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was a deacon and served on the pastoral care committee.

Survivors include a brother, Albert Klamm of Tenino, Wash.; two nieces, Marcia Leavitt of Eugene, Ore., and Mary Sullivan of Snohomish, Wash.

She was preceded in death by her husband Oct. 17, 1995; a son, Craig Jackson Kirby June 13, 1968; her parents and a sister.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cape County Memorial Park.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Paul Kabo Jr. officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church.