Marianne Auxier Kirby went home to join her loving husband, John Forest Kirby, on March 31, 2023. They were married for 58 wonderful years. They were a team and now they can be again.
She was born on July 21, 1930, in Pikeville, KY to the late Benjamin H. and Roberta Gaines Auxier.
Marianne is survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.
Marianne had numerous friends, precious students, cheerleaders, neighbors and fellow workers who loved and admired her.
She attended the historic Pikeville College Training School and Pikeville College Academy and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in home economics education. Her first teaching position was at Junction City High School in 1953. She then moved to Boyle County High School when it opened in 1963 as their home economics teacher and remained in that position for 31 years. During that time, she was the cheerleading squad sponsor and coach. She and John were involved with their student and school activities.
Marianne was very active in many organizations, excelled in all of them and held many positions which included: president of the KY Association of Home Economic Teachers, state honorary member of Future Homemakers of America, honorary member of BCHS Chapter FCCLA, board member of the KY Association of Vocational Education and was inducted into the BCHS Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. She was a KY Colonel, a member of the St. Asaph Chapter D.A.R. and served as a chapter secretary, first vice regent, treasurer, chapter agent (6 years) and State D.A.R. Parliamentarian under state regent Linda Closson. She was a member and volunteer for Ephraim McDowell Auxillary and was a member and served as President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Wilderness Trail Homemakers. She was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for over 50 years and served as Shepherding Group Leader, circle leader and treasurer for Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was also a charter and life member of Oleika Temple 128 Daughters of the Nile in Lexington.
Marianne loved life. She traveled and hosted dinners and parties and loved to bake. Many have been blessed by Marianne’s gifts of cookies and candies at Christmas. She was blessed with a giving spirit and will be missed.
Visitation will be 4-6 pm, Tuesday, April 11 at Stith Funeral Home, Danville. Funeral Service will be 1 pm, Wednesday, April 12 at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Danville with Reverend Colby Smith will be officiating.