Frances Kay Kirby

Frances (Kay) Kirby, 87, formerly of Muncie, Indiana, died peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Brookstone of Aledo (Illinois).

Frances (Kay) was born on January 6, 1937, in Muncie, Indiana to local dentist, Ferrell & schoolteacher Margaret Frances (Burr) Hodson.  She was a ’54 Burris High School graduate and continued her education with a Bachelors and Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University in 1964.  She taught art for seven years in New Carlisle, Indiana.

Not long after moving back to Muncie after teaching she was set up on a date by her parents (and soon to be in-laws) with who she’d marry and raise 3 children.  On August 15, 1965, in Muncie, Indiana, at Hazelwood Christian Church, Kay married John H. Kirby and spend the next 56 years side-by-side.    

Being a stay-at-home mother, she spent countless hours hauling her kids to endless practices, lessons, and games.  She was always there for support and encouraged her children no matter what.  Over the years she volunteered hundreds of hours at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, Ball Hospital, decorating the church’s sanctuary, and serving at Hazelwood Christian Church as a deaconess and greeter.  She also was a member of Le Femmes Home Economic club, a local bridge club with her pals, and a member of the Minnetrista Art Guild and later Hamilton County Art Guild. 

Kay was a beautiful talented artist, working in oils pastels, acrylics, watercolors, and other mediums.  Her home, as well as her children’s homes, were always decorated from head to toe with her masterpieces.  Kay’s talents allowed her to share creations with local art shows and displays in businesses and public venues. 

Kay spent the last several years living in Fishers, Indiana to be closer to family and most recently in Aledo, Illinois at the time of her passing.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Kay Hucke (Dave), John Kirby, and Susan Morton (Tyler).  Grandchildren; Lillian and Olivia Hucke; Emma, Madeline, and Owen Morton; Haley, Houston, and Westin Kirby.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John (March 5, 2021).

Private family services will be held with entombment in Elm Ridge Memorial Park, Muncie, Indiana during the summer of 2024.