Anita Kirby

Anita M. Kirby, age 86, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Concordia Village Care Center in Springfield.

She was born March 27, 1932 in Logansport, IN, the daughter of Minnie Schroeder Leverentz and Henry C. Leverentz.

Anita married John L. Kirby of Buffalo, IL on July 10, 1954.  John L. preceded her in death in 1996.

She is survived by her children, Janet Ann Kirby, Lynne Kirby Taylor, Paul Arthur Kirby, and Daniel Duncan (wife Karen) Kirby; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Esther Kirby; and cousins, Barbara Schroeder Howard and Richard Schroeder.

Anita is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Thomas M. Taylor III in 2004.

She graduated from Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, IL in 1950 and Blackburn College in 1954.  She later graduated from Sangamon State University with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1980.

Anita was a student librarian at Blackburn College and studied library science at Rosary College (now Dominican University).  She then was a teacher at Tri-City and Williamsville school districts and later became a counselor for Teachers’ Retirement System.  During her retirement she worked for the Sherman Public Library.

She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  One of her favorite pastimes was sitting outside in the sun.  Anita’s hobbies included cooking and providing for her family.

Anita was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of memorial services at 11:30 AM on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman. Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield following the services.

Rev. Michael Schuermann will be officiating.

Memorials can be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman.