Ruby Laine Kirk
April 11, 2008
Kirk, Ruby Laine (Betty), 60, mother and homemaker, died Friday, April 11, 2008. Ruby Kirk lounged by the pond at Elm Mills, flew the Concorde to Europe and rode the seas on the Queen Mary, before her lifes travels came to an abrupt end Friday, April 11, 2008. When family and friends gather to remember her 60 years at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East, they will recall her feisty passions for collecting antiques and artwork, for music and gardening. Ruby will return to Hazelton for her final resting place. She grew up there as Ruby Betty with a brother Roy and sister Mary. She graduated in the last class of Hazelton High in 1966, where “she was the most intelligent, most beautiful girl,” Mary said. While attending the University of Kansas, Ruby picked up a friend of a friend, Tom Kirk, hitchhiking from 21st Street to Naismith Hall. Tom asked Ruby out for a taco. Their second date lasted three days. Within a year, and for the next 37, they were married. He played guitar, she played piano and recorder. They would pass their love of music and adventure along to three sons, Andy, Joe and Dan. They traveled the world, but perhaps her greatest pleasure was relaxing at the familys cabin at Elm Mills, roaming through the woods and admiring the prairie plants, which she could name by sight. Rubys last days included seeing her sons Joe and Dan perform with their band Censura just weeks ago at JCs House of Rock. She had survived breast cancer. But she died mere moments after doctors diagnosed the new cancer that would end her life. With her son, Andy, who had been her caretaker in final days, by her, she drifted away as peacefully as the ripple of the creek at Elm Mills. Service 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 15, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Interment 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 16, Hazelton Cemetery, Hazelton, KS. Survivors: husband, Tom Kirk of Wichita; sons, Andy Kirk of Wichita, Joe Kirk and Dan Kirk, both of Lawrence, KS; sister, Mary Abrams (Rick) of Pratt, KS; brother, Roy Betty (Sue) of Hazelton, KS. A memorial has been established with Susan G. Komen Foundation, 1148 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211.
Graveside service is 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Hazelton Cemetery, Hazelton, KS
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Dear Tom and boys, Our heart goes out to you in the loss of Ruby who was a very good friend to us. She will be missed greatly. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeanette & Jerry Siemens
Tom, I am so so sorry for the loss of your beloved. The last few years had thier challenges, but you rode them well. The love you shared together will always be a memory to cherish. She knew how much you loved her. That is what is most important. Your friends are here for you. Bob and Stephanie Murphy
To the family of Ruby, Our heartfelt sorrow is with you today, we never have met you but Mary is a dear friend of ours and had we met Ruby this past summer, we cannot tell you how your family has touched our lives, we live in Greensburg and lost our home to the tornado last spring, and Tom, you and Ruby let us stay in your cabin on more than one occasion. Yours and Ruby’s generosity will never be forgotten. Elm Mills is a beautiful place and we loved reading about Ruby being there and how much she enjoyed it. God be with you.
Andy & Family — My deepest sympathy’s go out to all of you…I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers…I am so sorry for your loss. Briana Duke
I met Ruby and Tom a little over three years ago when they asked me to help with a creative project. Working with them was a privilege and a delight. I was honnored when Ruby called on me for help again. It was a further privilege to help her as she faced her challenges. Throughout those challenges I saw grace, generosity and creativity. That is how I will remember Ruby.