December 20, 1931 – August 14, 2019
Betty Jane Kirby-Egler, 87, Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday evening, August 14, 2019 at Wellbrooke of Westfield surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hamilton County on December 20, 1931, she was the daughter of the late James Minten and Florence Edna (Roberts) Mossburg. Betty was a 1949 graduate of Sheridan High School and a lifelong fixture within the Sheridan community.
She cherished her many years as a farm wife. A workaholic, Betty was in her element when there was a constant stream of chores to be done. Running errands and tending to the chickens kept her busy, but the job that she was never in danger of losing was cooking for farm hands. If she had ever decided to hang up her apron a mutiny would have been planned behind the barn. Her meatloaf and baked beans were some of her best-loved dishes. There always seemed to be a lot more help around the farm on the days that people knew Betty would be cooking.
Betty worked for Aero Drapery for several years before making the move to hire on with United Feeds in Sheridan. Her knowledge of farming and strong work ethic combined with the fact that she knew (and more than likely fed) most of the farmers in the area made her a perfect fit for the growing company. For over 20 years Betty managed the farm contracts for United Feeds until her retirement. Working in the agriculture industry for most of her life helped foster her love of the outdoors. She had a lifelong love of flowers and gardening, so much so that during her years at Wellbrooke she took it upon herself to tend their garden beds. When the staff couldn’t seem to find Betty, you guessed it, she was outside dead-heading the flowers. Working out in the garden and listening to birds always helped put her mind at ease.
Betty was blessed with a beautiful voice, graciously sharing her talent throughout the years by singing at weddings and funerals. Another passion that Betty put to good use was her sense of humor – more specifically, her love of pulling pranks. Her standby routine was removing the labels off cans, but she would never pass up the opportunity get in on a good old-fashioned TP’ing job. It didn’t matter if she knew who lived there or not – if it was going to happen, she wanted in. In between pranks, Betty also enjoyed playing cards and games.
Betty was a member of the Kempton Rebekkah Lodge #387 where she served as Secretary, Past President and District Deputy. She was also a very active with the Sheridan Historical Society, serving as Treasurer for several years. She also attended the Christ Community Church of Lamong.
Betty is survived by her son, Gerald W. “Butch” Kirby (fiancée Tina Parr), Sheridan; son-in-law, Phil West, Kirklin; five grandchildren, Brooke Amber Kirby, Gwynne Nicole Kirby, Michelle Lynn Ramsey (Brett), Mindi Lee Cheek (Tavis) and Brant West (Paige); eight great-grandchildren, Zachary, Kyleigh, Hayley, Brayden, Trace, Raigan, Kynlee and Lauren; and her brother, James William Mossburg (Sue), Sheridan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ronald Allen Kirby; her daughter, Juanita West; sister, Maxine Mossburg; brother, Ernie Mossburg; granddaughter, Morgan West; her husband, Lee Egler; and by her former husband, Donald Paul Kirby.
Services were held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation prior to the time of service. Burial followed at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Jody Brown officiated.
Memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan Historical Society, or the American Heart Association. You may leave condolences at kerchevalfuneralhome.com.