In Memory of Gloria O. Kirby
Gloria was born in Beal City, Michigan on June 19, 1928. She passed away at home on August 9, 2013 at the age of 85. She was a member of the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian tribe of Michigan. Gloria lived at home with her parents until she was seven years old. She and her sister and two brother were then placed in foster care with a family in Buchanon, Michigan. She lived with four different foster families until graduating from college in Albion, Michigan in 1951. She then went to Shiprock, New Mexico and taught for two years in the B.I.A. School there.
Gloria moved to Flagstaff in September 1953, She met her future husband there and they were married at the Federated Church on September 3, 1954. She was a wife, mother and homemaker until 1972 when she also became a teacher again. She taught in Camp Verde school until 1979, then in Phoenix Schools until 1988 when she retired. She also earned a Masters Degree at N.A.U. in 1978.
She is survived by her husband, Earl Kirby of Flagstaff, two sons, Daniel of Anchorage, AK, Spencer of Fairbanks, AK, a daughter Colleen of Flagstaff and 5 grandchildren all in Alaska.
She was loved by all who knew her. She left a hole in all of our hearts.
Services will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 13 at the Hope Community Church, 3700 N. Fanning Drive.
Graveside service will be at 1:30 at the Middle Verde Cemetery, Camp Verde Arizona