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Lillie “Ruth” Kirk, 88

Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11:40 am

Lillie “Ruth” Kirk, 88, of South Pittsburg, passed away on Sunday, January 19, with her loving family by her side. Ruth Kirk our beautiful, wonderful Momma and Maw. She was born on March 3, 1936, in Orme, TN. She was the oldest of 6 children, she had 1 brother and 4 sisters – they called her the head chicken because she helped raise her siblings in very sparse conditions; she was only 12 years old.

She became a caregiver at a very early age. When Jeannie was born, she was only 20 years old. From then on she took care of her kids, cousins, grandchildren and my grandmother   plus anyone else in need. Never saying No, she raised her children while working 12-hour days at Shaw Industries always with that beautiful smile. Guess you could say Momma was my best friend. Many are the words we could use to describe Ruth Kirk, but those words fail to convey to each of us the extent of the love concerning compassion and self-sacrifice.

She loved to cook and invite you to gather around her round table in the kitchen for pinto beans, cornbread, fried potatoes and sweet tea.  She fed the hungry, helped heal everything from broken bones to broken hearts.

She really was crazy about her grandchildren and would join in with their fun from blowing bubbles to blowing kisses, and if necessary, blowing noses! The minute she would see her grandbabies- that face lit up and she would smile, yet again that beautiful smile. Her children she loved, but those little grandbabies were her life! Well, her whole family was her reason to live.

Before we lost her, there were the hard days of pain and wanting to walk so badly. She always told her nurses “Thank you! I love you” – with that one-of-a-kind beautiful smile. That was Ruth Kirk.

Those of you that knew her know what I am saying – The Truth.

Now it’s time for my “Our Momma and Maw” to be in heaven with her Momma, Daddy, all her sisters and brother and especially my “Our” Dear Daddy!

She’s walking, still smiling and probably helping God! I am proud to say I was blessed beyond words as were my siblings and her grandchildren. A Momma beyond words of True Love for All! Rest Momma you will be missed by ALL. I will see you again one day. I look forward to it. That is what keeps me going through this most difficult time. I LOVE YOU! REST NOW!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah Vesta Nunley and Eunice Till Nunley; husband, Jack Kirk; sisters, Mattie Lee Bradon, Petreva Hargis and Mary Baugher and brother, Leslie Nunley.

Survivors include sister, Opal Haley; children, Jeannie Kirk (John) Schubert, William “Eddie” Kirk, Jackie Lynn Kirk and Randall Eugene Kirk; grandchildren, Misty (Buddy) Sharp, Jackson Cody Kirk, Jacob Kirk, Jeremiah Kirk, Logan Kirk and Lynnsie and Jon Collins; great grandchildren, Addie Kirk, Jackson Codey Kirk Jr, Kingston Sharp, Kailey Tide Collins, Cheyenne & Christian Houseman, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24, at 1 p.m. in the South Pittsburg Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, with Pastor Calvin Nunley officiating.

Mrs. Kirk will be laid to rest at Orme Mountain Cemetery with her beloved husband, Jack Kirk.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service in the South Pittsburg Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Kirk, Logan Kirk, Christian Houseman, Jackson Cody Kirk, Jr., John Schubert and Bill Madden.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, South Pittsburg Chapel, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, Tennessee (423) 837-7176.

The Marion Tribune – January 30, 2025