Shirley Le Moyne Kirby

May 15, 1922 – June 8, 2026

Shirley Kirby peacefully turned toward the heavens and was called home on the evening of Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born on May 15, 1922. Throughout her remarkable 104 years, she exemplified strength, kindness and an unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the generations she helped shape.

She is now joyfully reunited with those who preceded her in death: her parents, Walter and LeMoyne Irvine, her beloved husband of 65 years, William "Bill" Kirby, her young son, Billy Kirby, and her brother, Earl.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her three children: Linda (Johnny) Sherar, Christine Kirby and Wayne (Janet) Kirby.

She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren: Holly (David) McComb, Kyle Sherar, Ricky (Carrie) Kirby, Brian Heinmiller, Brad Heinmiller, Jacques (Janice) Kirby, Jessica (Brian) Redding, Jaimie Kirby and Marquita McIntire-Kirby.

Her legacy continues through her seventeen cherished great-grandchildren: Desiree (Dario) Avila, Jonathan (Meghan) McComb, Zachary (Annie) McComb, Kaden Kirby, Christine Heinmiller, Jaide (John) Koepplin, Noah Kirby, Noah Heinmiller, Ethan Heinmiller, Taylor Heinmiller, Annaleigh Kirby, Alyssa McLaughlin, Isaiah Coats, Austin Redding, Charlie Morrell, Wyatt Redding and Violet Redding.

She was also blessed with eleven great-great-grandchildren: Carli Avila, Taylor Avila, Gracie McComb, Brooke McComb, Kylie McComb, Lilah Koepplin, Connor Stevens, Ella McComb, Hanna McComb, Jensen Koepplin and Samuel McComb.

In addition to her immediate family, Shirley leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

She grew up in Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, spending treasured summers in the countryside of Farmington with her brother, Earl, and their grandparents.

A talented performer from a young age, Shirley's first job came at just twelve years old when she tap danced on the Vaudeville Stage at Detroit's historic Fisher Theatre. After graduating from high school, she worked for one year as secretary to the plant psychologist at Plymouth Motor Car Company before joining Jam Handy Productions, a prolific commercial motion picture studio in Detroit, where she worked for two years as a script girl.

In 1944, Shirley made her way to Merced, California, where she spent three years assisting Drs. Heitman and Heitman in their father-and-son dental practice.

Through mutual friends, Shirley met the love of her life, William "Bill" Kirby. They were married on August 29, 1946, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 65 wonderful years. After World War II, Bill and Shirley joined Bill's father, Hugh Kirby, and brother, Thomas "Tom" Kirby, in building a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in cattle feeding equipment and service. Kirby Manufacturing Incorporated continues to serve dairymen and farmers around the world today.

Shirley and Bill loved Merced and dedicated their lives to serving the community they cherished. Her commitment to volunteerism and civic service touched countless lives.

She served as President of the John Muir Elementary School PTA and, alongside Roberta Devaurs, volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, as well as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Den Mother.

Her community involvement was extensive. Shirley was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, three-time Past President of the Merced County Republican Women, member and three-time Past President of the Merced Garden Club, a member of the State Garden Club, the California Garden Club and a Master Flower Show Judge. She was a Founder's Circle member of the Merced County Historical Society, a member of the Merced Theatre Foundation and a member of the Mariposa Museum and History Center. She also served as Past President and Director of the Merced County Old Timers, was the first Chair of the Measure "S" Bond Oversight Committee and a member of the Friends of the Merced County Library.

Faith was the foundation of Shirley's life. She was a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Merced and Mariposa, where she faithfully served as First Reader, Second Reader and Sunday School teacher.

Above all else, Shirley's greatest joy and most important mission was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

Taught by her mother and grandmother, Shirley enjoyed knitting beautiful clothing and creating needlepoint pictures. She loved playing Bridge with friends and was an avid reader. Her creativity extended to pottery and porcelain, through which she crafted many treasured pieces. An exceptional cook and baker, she was especially known for her delicious desserts. Chocolate ice cream was always her favorite treat.

One of Shirley's greatest gifts was her wonderful sense of humor. She truly believed that laughter was the best medicine. She embraced life with optimism, gratitude and an abiding appreciation for God's beautiful creation.

The family extends its deep appreciation to the compassionate nurses and staff at Pacifica Senior Living Merced for the loving care they provided during Shirley's final three years. Heartfelt thanks is also extended to Noble Hospice nurses Rhonda and Daisy for their kindness and support. A special thank you goes to Linda, Holly and family for their unwavering devotion, countless visits and loving guidance through Shirley's final journey.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Merced Women's Club House, 707 W. 22nd Street, Merced, California. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in honoring and celebrating her remarkable life.