Barbara Jean Beyer Kirby

Barbara Kirby of Midland, Texas passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 11 at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home at 4616 N. Big Spring St. in Midland, Texas. Services will be 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 12 at Ellis Resthaven. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Barbara was born July 18, 1936, in Abilene, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin Frank Beyer and Georgia Vada Yates Beyer. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Joe Beyer and Kenneth Beyer; son-in-law, Skip Marshall; sister-in-law, Phyllis Beyer; and grandsons, Michael Tharp and Tyler Kirby. She is survived by her siblings, Gene Beyer (wife Jenny), Rita Bozarth (husband Bill), Ron Beyer (wife Belinda), and sister-in-law, Mamie Beyer. Barbara was affectionately known as “Bobbie” by her parents and siblings. Other surviving family members include her children, Dennis and wife Kathy Kirby of Midland, Denise and husband Philip Harris of Brownwood, Barry and wife Pam Kirby of Midland. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Brian Kirby, Michael and wife Ashleigh Kirby, Kristien and husband Mike Van Elsberg, Sara and husband Kevin Acuna, and Hannah and husband Garrett Bradley. Great-grandchildren; Conner, Chloe, and Charlee Kirby, Kolby and Kamryn Van Elsberg, Maeson and Parker Acuna, and Presley and baby (due in January) Bradley.

Barbara graduated from Wylie High School in 1954. She attended Cisco Junior College and Midland College where she received an associate degree. She played basketball and volleyball in high school and continued to play in adult leagues after graduation. She was a big fan of sports. She loved watching football and always kept up with women’s basketball. You could always find her in the stands or on the sidelines of her grandchildren’s sporting events, school events, dance recitals, awards banquets, and livestock shows.

Barbara married Carl Kirby, Jr. on November 25, 1954, and through this union, their three children were born. The family lived in Abilene until the summer of 1973 and then moved to Midland. While in Midland, she worked as a legal and land secretary for ARCO Oil & Gas until her retirement. After retirement she worked contract jobs for various other oil companies. Being linked to the oil and gas industry, she joined the Desk and Derrick Club of Midland in 1975. She was fully involved in Desk and Derrick. She acquired many good friends and travel companions. She and her friends travelled to many field trips and conventions across the United States, Canada, and other fun destinations. During her time spent in Desk and Derrick, she served as the Club President in 1985 and 1993. Her other interests included Book Review, Midland Woman’s Club, and she was in a monthly card group.

Throughout her life, she spent many summer weekends and holidays at Lake Brownwood with family and friends. She enjoyed water skiing and lake life in general. She passed the love of the lake down to her children and grandchildren. Barbara was a skilled crochet enthusiast, sewed many outfits, and made all her grandchildren embroidered and beaded Christmas stockings. She also was an avid reader and read hundreds of books in her spare time.

Barbara was a very strong and independent person. She strived to teach her children etiquette, respect, and being fair with others. We think that she was proud of the fruits of her labor!

The family would like to express their gratitude to family, friends, and hospital staff at Midland Memorial, Odessa Medical Center, and MD Anderson of Houston, as well as the staff at Brookdale Senior Living.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any charity of your choice.

Visitation will occur Friday, August 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. A funeral service will occur Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705 with a burial to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com for the Kirby family.