Mrs. Flora M. Kirtley

Flora Kirtley was welcomed into the arms of Jesus May 18th surrounded by loved ones. Flora was born in Lebanon, Kentucky August 2, 1920 to Maggie and Ralph Morris . When her father died seven months later Flora, her mother and paternal grandmother traveled by train to Tiskilwa, Illinois where they lived with her father’s brothers and sister. When Flora was a junior in high school she, her mother and step-father moved from Tiskilwa to Peru, Indiana where she graduated high school the next year. She then moved back to Illinois to attend college at Illinois State University Normal where she received her two year teaching degree. She remained in Illinois the next two years and taught grades one through twelve in a one room school house. She finished her teaching degree at Ball State University where she graduated in 1963. Flora returned to Indiana after marrying the love of her life, John, on June 7, 1942 in a double marriage ceremony with her first cousin and best friend Vera . Two children were born into the family; Robert Kenneth and Karol Anne. The couple remained in Wells County for the remainder of their lives living in Liberty Township all of those years. Flora returned to teaching in 1957 at Liberty Center School where she taught third grade until 1973 when she moved to Southern Wells Elementary School. She taught there until she retired in 1983. Flora was a member of the Liberty Center Baptist Church for over 70 years. She was involved with the Missionary Society for many years. Flora loved square dancing with her “Johnnie” and a large group of their friends. Flora was also involved with the Wells County Homemakers Club. She was also a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. Later in life Flora volunteered at Bluffton Regional Medical Center for a number of years. She also loved having coffee with her “buddies” at McDonalds two mornings a week. Flora was a devoted mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family. Surviving are son: Robert Kenneth “Kenny“ (Sharon) Kirtley of Crossville, Tennessee. Kenny’s children are Robert (Bob) John Kirtley of Bluffton, Lesa Lynn (Jim) Neal of Geneva and Jody (Steve) Teague of Warren; and daughter Karol Anne (Larry “Lee”) of Bluffton. Karol’s children are Tanya (Tony) Evard of Kendallville, Kirt (Tammy) Slater of Bluffton and Kimberli (Tad) Steckbeck of Bluffton. Great Grandchildren include Sierra and Brandon Kirtley and Amber Monroe; Colten, Jordan, Kogan and Shania Neal; Anna and Spencer Teague; Justin, Abby and Casey Evard; Megan and Kaiden Slater; Patrick and Katie Steckbeck and Eric Thompson. In addition, First cousins, Mary Morris and Eleanor Wood came to live with Flora and John as teenagers. Both girls have remained close to the Kirtley family and remain in the Bluffton area. Flora was preceded in death by her husband, John Kirtley, mother and father Maggie and Ralph Morris; and infant grandson John Michael Slater. Flora will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral Services for Flora will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 24, 2013 at Sonlight Wesleyan Church in Bluffton with Pastor Lyle Breeding officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 8 on Thursday at the Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton and for 1 hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to the Liberty Center Baptist Church, through the funeral home. Friends can send online condolences to www.thomarich.com.

Mrs. Flora M. Kirtley

August 2, 1920 - May 18, 2013