Elizabeth Kirby

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Kirby age 72, of Elsie, MI, passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Rick Bokinskie officiating.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 6-8 P.M. and also on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI. A Special Time of Sharing will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M at the funeral home.

Elizabeth was born in Owosso, Michigan on June 21, 1944, the daughter of Andrew and Anna (Koreni) Minarik.  She married John Alvin Kirby on September 11, 1965, at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Bannister, Michigan.

Betty graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1962. She went on to attend Farthing Beauty College, graduating in 1963. Betty went back to school in 1993 to receive an Associate Degree in Human Services and Gerontology from Lansing Community College and also a Bachelors Degree in Community Health and Health Sciences from Central Michigan University in 1995. Betty was so proud of her Bachelors Degree, as she obtained it while raising her children and grandchildren.

Betty worked at many places including; Universal Electric, Federal Mogul, Julie K, Kirby's Autobody and Sales since 1971 with her husband John.

She was a member at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, St. Cyril's Altar Society, Pastoral Council and Officer, Christian Mothers Confraternity, Phi Theta Kappa Int. Honor Society, Past Clinton County Hospice Volunteer and was very involved in her community. She enjoyed writing, quilting, baking, and cooking.

Most importantly Betty was an impeccable homemaker. She loved her family very much. The most important goal in her life was to raise her children for Christ, and to be a witness for her grandchildren so they would accept Christ as their savior. To have them all live their lives for Him and some day to all be together in heaven for eternity was her top priority.

She is survived by her husband John Kirby, children; Kathleen Kirby, Dianna (Kirby) Taylor, John II and Emily Kirby, David and Nicole Kirby, grandchildren; Jamison Hoeve, Alexis Hoeve, Jonathan Kirby, Breckin Kirby, Rian Kirby, Kalyssa Kirby, Kassidy Kirby, brothers; Joe and Viola Minarik of Fowler, MI, Andy and Marge Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Vincent and Margo Minarik, of Eureka, MI, sisters and brothers in law; Barb Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Judy Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Cora Goldman, Sharon (Terry) Wagner, Bob (Linda) Kirby, Howard (Jeannine) Kirby. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and special friends; Joann Burnham and Alyce Moon. She is also survived by many special family members in Czechoslovakia.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Anna Minarik, In-Laws Merlin and Arbutus Kirby, brothers; Paul Minarik, Steve Minarik, nephews; Ron Minarik, Mike Minarik, Bobby Minarik, and Gary Minarik.

Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice of Clinton County.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.