Jean Ruth McElroy Kirby

A resident of Baton Rougesince 1948, she died at age 87 on Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, after a brief illness. Known by friends and family as "Mama Jean," she lovingly and tirelessly served her family, friends, community and God. She was born Nov. 2, 1919, inPortage, Wis., to Jesse Dean McElroy and Alma Vern Becker McElroy, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her elder sibling, Dean Vern McElroy. She graduated fromPardeevilleHigh Schoolin 1937, attended theUniversityofWisconsin, received her RN degree fromJacksonParkHospital, associated withCookCountyHospitalin Chicago, where she served as assistant director of nursing. She joined the U.S. Army Nursing Corps during World War II, during which she met and married "the love of her life," Dr. L. Ben Kirby, who preceded her in death after 42 years of marriage. She had three children, Lynne R. Kirby, Pamela Kirby and Dean L. Kirby, M.D.; daughter-in-law, Carol Berry Kirby; and three grandchildren, Matthew David Kirby, Benjamin Garrett Kirby and Catherine Michelle Kirby. Mama Jean touched many lives and loved serving both the young and old. She was known as a wonderful cook who enjoyed ministering to others through food, and was involved with the Brother Lawrence Ministry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where the kitchen in the Witter Hall was dedicated to and named for her. She was very active and supportive of her husband and children's interests and activities and served in many volunteer capacities. She received the Volunteer Activist Award, 1978. She served as president of many organizations, including PEO, Chapter W., BRCC Ladies Golf Association and Interclub Golf Association, Le Livre Book Club, East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society Alliance and Foundation for Historical Louisiana. She organized the Medical Aid Station at the State Capitol and served as its first nurse. She will be sorely missed, leaving a void in our hearts and in the community. Visitation will be at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8833 Goodwood Blvd., on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.until service at noon. Reception to follow.