Louine Frances Kirkland

Louine “Bobbie” Kirkland, 85, of Houston, TX peacefully departed this world on March 19, 2023. “Bobbie” who she was best known as to her family and friends, was born on May 14,1937 in Alice, TX where she was raised. Bobbie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who is survived by her sons Ronald (Michele), Robert, and Richard (Michelle) Kirkland; grandchildren Michael (Claudia) Kirkland, Christina (Matt) Leach, Sydney (Thomas) Jobe, Crystal (Jeff) McQueen, Stephen (Lisette) Small and Mikayla Kirkland; great grandchildren Justin, Matthew, Natalie, Dylan (Nina), Raven, Colton, Austin, Olivia, Ben, Corey, and Elias; great-great grandchild Jamison; sister Marcy Melner and brother John (Wendy) Zapalac; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bobbie grew up in Calallen, TX near Corpus Christi. A few years after graduating high school, she decided to join the United States Army in 1959 where she met her love, John. Shortly after marrying, she was Honorably Discharged to become a housewife and mother to her two oldest children which took them to Paris, France and San Antonio, TX. After John “Butch” was discharged the family settled in Houston, TX where Bobbie worked short term at Power Petro until she became a full time stay at home mom. She loved to bowl and was on several bowling teams at the local bowling alley is where you would be able to find her during the weekdays and weekends with her kids. Her love for the Houston Astros was what you would find on the television when it was the baseball season. For her 80th birthday, the Houston Astro’s graciously let her throw out the first pitch which just so happened to be the year they won their first World Series Championship. She will now and forever be their Angel in the Outfield.

Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Francis Zapalac, her brothers Lawrence “Uncle Jr.” Zapalac Jr., and Charles Zapalac; her husband John Kirkland; and her daughter Rhonda Small.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Legend Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Home where Bobbie lived for the past 2 ½ years. While in hospice the numerous staff that came in to check on her and the family was heartwarming, and we are forever grateful that you treated her like the Queen she was.

A visitation for Louine will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. For those that will be in attendance the family is requesting that you please wear your Astros gear or something purple in honor of Bobbie, for her love of the Houston Astros and her favorite color.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Kirkland family.