Suzanne M. Kirby, 72

Suzanne M. Kirby, 72, of Omaha, formerly of Red Oak, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Hospice House in Omaha.

Suzanne Marie (Clauson) Kirby was born to Carl and Marie (Embree) Clauson on Nov. 30, 1938, in Red Oak.

She grew up on a farm north of Stanton, where she attended a one-room country school through the 4th grade before attending Stanton grade school.

Suzanne graduated from Stanton High School in 1956 and attended Metropolitan Technical Community College, receiving an associate degree in Computer Programming.

As a young girl, Suzanne helped on the farm, enjoyed reading and gardening and was active in 4-H.

Suzanne married Joseph “Ted” Kirby on Aug. 17, 1958, at the Tabor Lutheran Church in rural Stanton. They were blessed with two children, Jon Carl and Ann Margaret. Suzanne and Ted raised their family in Omaha.

Suzanne was a stay-at-home mom and when her children were in school, she started a 20-year career as a secretary in the Omaha Public School system.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, camping, gardening and volunteering in the Bennington community.

Suzanne was active in St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. John’s Quilters, Bennington Women’s Club, Bennington Library Book Club and friends of the Library. She treasured family camping trips and holiday gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her son Jon Carl and her parents Carl and Marie.

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Ted; daughter, Annie Kirby of Blair; daughter-in-law, Rita Kirby of Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren, Jacob Kirby, Alisha Kirby and Andrea Kirby; sisters, Carlene (Ed) Berg of Ralston, Neb., and Marjorie Berriman of Norwood, Mo.; brothers-in-law, Gary Campbell of Norwood and Bob Kirby of Dayton, Ohio; and sister-in-law Sandra Kirby of Dayton.

A memorial service will take place Tuesday May 24,  at 11 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bennington, Neb. with Rev. Andreas Stein officiating. There will be a private inurnment. Reichmuth Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.