Ruth Frances Kirk, age 95, passed away at 7:58 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Medicalodge of Columbus following an illness.
Mrs. Kirk was born on Aug. 28, 1927, in Montrose, Missouri. She was one of nine children born to Benjamin John and Catherine Christina (Heimann) Swaters. Ruth graduated from high school in Montrose. Ruth was married to Kenneth Kirk on Nov. 28, 1946, in Montrose, Missouri.
In 1965, Ruth and Kenneth moved the family from Appleton City, Missouri, to Columbus, where Kenneth worked for P&M Mining Company. In 1966, they started H&K Camper Sales. Their son, Don, continues to run the family business.
The Kirk family spent many weekends camping at the local strip pits and Grand Lake, where fond memories were made. Ruth was known as an excellent cook. Faith, family, and food are the foundation on which her large, loving family has been built. As a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, she served many years on the Altar Society. In her younger years, Ruth was an avid bowler and participated in a local bowling league.
Kenneth preceded her in death on May 6, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Maurice Swaters, Leroy Swaters, David Swaters, and James Swaters; and four sisters, Mary Hopfinger, Hildegarde Davies, Catherine Fenimore, and Rose Margaret Daugherty.
Surviving is one son, Don Kirk (Laura) of Columbus; three daughters, Pat Daugherty (Carl) of Carl Junction, Linda Atkinson (Don Pitts) of Joplin, and Mary Jane Simpson (Ronnie) of Columbus; eleven grandchildren, Julie Cassidy, Shelly Morgan, April Willis, Eric Atkinson, Jill Miller, Jamie Boschee, Nate Kirk, Luke Kirk, Mack Kirk, Geoff Pitts, and Stephanie Lee; as well as 18 great-grandchildren and a special friend and caregiver, Fern Henderson.
A Rosary prayer service will be at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Columbus. Burial will be in Park Cemetery in Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Rose of Lima or Big Brutus Museum in the care of the funeral home.
