Shirley Theresa Kirkland

Born on July 8, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, Shirley was the daughter of the late Virginia (Bosak) Carlo and Dominick Carlo. A graduate of Linden McKinley High School, she dedicated much of her life to serving others alongside her beloved husband, John Mac Kirkland. Together, they owned and operated two Shell Service Stations at Fifth and Grandview and at Morse and Cleveland for more than 30 years. In later years, Shirley brought her trademark friendliness and strong work ethic to Walmart as a sales associate where she worked for another 20 years. Her mission was to brighten the days of countless customers and coworkers whom she truly treasured.

A longtime, faithful member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Shirley was a cherished figure in her community. She was affectionately known as the “Tomato Lady” for serving “Fried Green Tomatoes” at the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival as part of the Knights of Columbus Women’s Club. Shirley held a special devotion to St. Anthony, often reciting her favorite prayer: “Tony, Tony, something’s lost and can’t be found, help me stop and turn around.”

Shirley will be remembered for her deep faith, generous heart, determined spirit, and boundless enthusiasm for life. Selfless, fiercely independent, and devoted to those she loved, she touched everyone she met with her warmth and kindness. Shirley knew no strangers and went out of her way to make everyone smile.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, John Mac Kirkland, her sister Barb Sowards (Carlo) and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Marie Kirkland.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Kimberly) Kirkland and Robert Kirkland; daughter-in-law, Sandra Kirkland; grandchildren, Denise, Chelsea, Faith, Alana, Jacqueline, and Cassandra; stepmother, Ruth Carlo; brother, Frank (Judy) Carlo; stepbrothers, Kevin Blanchard and Mike Blanchard; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Joni) Kirkland; and Dave Sowards; aunt, Mary Parker; cousin, Carol (Jeff) Felderman; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Jackie, Stacy, Steve, Stephanie, Bryan, Sarah, Dustin, Tammy, and Mandy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. at Schoedinger East, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, where a prayer service will begin at 3:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1051 S. Waggoner Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 11539 National Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205.