Chandra Lou Kirby (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Chandra Lou Kirby, 85 of Halfway, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Parkview Health Care Facility in Bolivar. She was born February 4, 1939 in Camdenton, MO to Timothy (Ted) Detweiler Willard and Thelma Chandler Willard. She was the youngest of three children. She went to school in Camdenton graduating valedictorian of the class of 1957. She attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a bachelor’s in education. She later returned to Lincoln University receiving a master’s degree.
She met the love of her life Samuel B. Kirby, JR. while at Mizzou. They married after graduation on August 18, 1961. They shared 63 years of marriage together. Chandra taught school at Hurricane Deck in Sunrise Beach, Elmendorf Airforce Base, Anchorage, Alaska, and Willow Springs, MO. She also taught at the Missouri Department of Corrections in Jefferson City MO.
Upon retirement, Sam and Chandra moved to Bolivar, MO. She served on the Polk County Humane Society for 10 years. She joined the CMH Auxiliary, working at the Senior Health Center where she led water aerobics and taught tai chi. She was a member of and served on boards for numerous quilt guilds. She was an active member of Mt. Gilead Methodist Church.
Chandra enjoyed quilting, knitting, reading, and teaching water aerobics. She was also known for her love of animals and rescues.
She is survived by her husband Sam, her son’s, Mark (Paula) Kirby of Greenback, TN and Joe Kirby (Gwen) of Jefferson City, MO.; seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Jim Willard and Theda Bertsch, and her daughter Beverly Ann Kirby. Chandra will always be remembered as a strong willed independent wife/mom/grandma. She was the biggest cheerleader and advocate for her family, especially Beverly who was an inspiration to us all.
Funeral services for Chandra will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Polk County Humane Society, Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church or to the CMH Senior Health Center.
Services are under the care and direction of Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.
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