Vera Kirk

Vera Elizabeth Kirk was born on June 13, 1931 in Blakeley, PA. She left this life on Thursday March 31, 2016. Vera was preceded in death by her parents William John and Nancy Kitchener; twin sister Verna Coogan and brother Earl. Vera is survived by her brother, Herbert; husband, Ballard; daughters, Lisa, Kira, Dayna; son, Courtlandt; nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Vera had a passion for travel, starting at the age of nineteen when she was secretary to the Provost Marshall at Fort Amador in Panama. In the following years Vera and Ballard made numerous trips to Europe to visit her sister who then lived in Paris. Later she made many trips across the country and abroad while serving as the "first lady" of a national organization and with one or more of her family. Vera thrived on her children. She was always the center of many holiday family gatherings and sumptuous meals she prepared. She made all of her children's friends feel welcome in the home and there were almost always groups of kids there for her to treat with snacks and her smiles and laughter. Vera's Christian faith led her to a life-long relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nurtured by the teachings and bible study at Grace Brethren Church. She spread the good news wherever she went with a purse full of tracts that she gave to all persons she could. Vera and Ballard spent sixty-five years of love, friendship and marriage together. Vera worked full time jobs to help support their shared dream as Ballard spent six years in architectural school at OSU and, at the same time, Vera caring and nurturing two young daughters. Alzheimers came into Vera's life eight years ago. She was aware of it and what the future held, but never let anything show but her infectious smiles, laughter and love for her family. She had times of great distress and suffering, but that ended last Thursday when, as she held Ballard's hand, the Lord gave her a last breath and took her home. Friends may visit on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221, from 6-8 PM, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Vera to the Alzheimer's Association at www.ALZ.org/donate