Mary Ray Kirby

As a young woman, Mary attended college at the University of Louisville, where she eventually received her masters degree in Special Education, as well as her Rank 1 certification. She was a life-long Cardinals Fan, and was on the Louisville Cardinals Drill team. She taught at Rutherford Elementary school for over forty years. She also taught summer school for at-risk boys. Both her students and fellow teachers adored her. Teaching was Mary’s calling in life, but nothing brought her as much joy as spending time with her family and friends.

Mary was married to the love of her life, Bob Kirby, for 57 years until his death until October 2017. Until his passing, they were always by each other’s side, bringing laughter, warmth, and joy to every room they were in. They traveled the world together and could make any situation fun as long as they were together. They made each other better people and their goodness rubbed off on everyone around them. They were incredibly proud of their children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to be with them. They were generous, funny, and above all, kind.

Mary was a loving mother, a devoted wife, an adoring and beloved grandmother, and a wonderful friend. She enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren and always let them know how much she loved them. She enjoyed lunches, dinners, and trips with her close friends. Mary always looked her best no matter the occasion - she was very fashionable. She loved reading, puzzles, word searches, and playing cards. Mary was intelligent, stylish, thoughtful, curious, funny, kind, generous, and she will be deeply missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bobby Jack; along with her parents, Raymond Frederick and Mary Alice Douglas; her sister, Anita Yvonne, and her brother Robert Laclede. She is survived by her children, Joy and Doug; her three grandchildren, Mitra, Nadja, and Arya; her sister, Naomi Lynne, along with a loving extended family, including her nephew and niece, Shawn and Shari, and many close friends.

Mary is fondly remembered by everyone she met. Her funeral will be held on Monday, December 18th, at Evergreen Funeral Home on Preston Highway, with visitation from 10:30am-12:30pm and a service from 12:30pm-1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, her family asks you to please consider donations in Mary’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.