Evelyn R. Kirby

Mrs. Evelyn Louise (Rankin) Kirby, 94, widow of Joseph Benjamin Kirby, died at 11:26 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2016 in Shenandoah House, Fishersville. She was born September 10, 1921 in Mt. Sidney, daughter of the late Walker James and Sadie (Bunch) Rankin.     Family includes her two sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Deborah Kirby of Staunton, and Victor and Patricia Kirby of Greenville, South Carolina; her daughter, Linda Kirby of Charles Town, WV; six grandchildren, Lindsay Howell, Ryan Kirby, Jessica Kirby, Joseph O. Kirby, Isis Kirby-O’Connell, and Kate Kirby-O’Connell; four great grandchildren, Addison Howell, Sydney Howell, Lucas Johnson, and Sadie Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.    In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her three brothers, Carl Rankin, Howard Rankin, and Roy Leonard Rankin; two sisters, Charlotte Houff and Mary Catherine Cline; and her son-in-law, Greg O’Connell.      Evelyn's home and family were her career, and she was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She was a devoted housekeeper at her home of 65+ years, and it was her castle. She greatly enjoyed her collection of dolls, stuffed animals, glassware, dishes, and, of course, her Roseville and Hull pottery.             However, her greatest treasure was her family, and she was especially proud of her Rankin ancestry. She believed her greatest accomplishment was the creation of her home and family with her beloved companion of 67+ years, Joe Kirby. Their loving legacy was extended through their three children, their spouses, their children, and now great grandchildren. In addition to her family, Evelyn cherished her many friends and her membership in the Verona Methodist Church. A seat at her table was an opportunity to share in good food and good fellowship. Evelyn was a born storyteller with vast knowledge of local families and their histories. Her love of family, home, and life will be cherished by those she leaves behind.             The family would like to extend their many thanks to the gentle, kindly, and good humored staff of Hospice's Shenandoah House for all their devotion and attention. So to Beverley, Laura, Sharon, Carolyn, Elaine, Bernice, Patty, Katie, Kathy, Annette, Jackie,and Gary we send our most heartfelt thank you for your kind hearts and timely support. Also our thanks to her Hospice minister Mark for his comforting counsel and gentle ministrations. And to Angie, the singer of hymns and bringer of humor, many thanks. And finally to all those folks, her many visitors, phone callers, and card senders, may God Bless You for being who you are.           Services will be held at a later date.   Memorials may be made to Shenandoah House, AH Hospice of the Shenandoah, c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P. O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.