Annetta Imogene “Jean” Kirk, 89, peacefully completed her journey through this life at 9:08 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a short illness.

She was known by a few as “Annetta” and by many as “Imogene”, “Gene” or “Jean”. She was appreciated by all as a kind, gentle, compassionate woman who was a blessing to friends, family and everyone she met.

Imogene was born Oct. 21, 1923, in Gibson County to Ira and Ruth (Shoultz) Shoaf. 

She was a 1941 graduate of Mt. Olympus High School near Hazleton.  She graduated from Lockyear College of Business in Evansville and worked for several years at the Servel Corp.  During this time prior to starting her own family, Imogene raised her little sister Diane.

Imogene wed school teacher Lester Dale Kirk on June 7, 1953. Imogene was a devoted wife and mother, dedicating all her energies to family life in rural Petersburg. Her children were always her top priority. She enjoyed flowers, music, dogs, chats with friends and family and neighbors, and worship. Lester and Imogene were faithful members of the Petersburg First United Methodist Church, where they rarely missed Sunday school and Imogene sang in the church choir for many years. Lester and Imogene were married for 55 years, until Lester’s death in October 2008.

In late 2008, Imogene embarked on a new adventure when she moved to Atria Senior Living in Newburgh. She blossomed in her new home, participating in all kinds of new activities, making many new friends, and touching the lives of the staff and other residents.

Family members who will miss Imogene dearly include her son Gary of Vincennes; daughter Pam of Evansville; and treasured friend who became family, Nan Potter of Evansville. Other survivors include sister-in-law Jane Kirk of Columbus; cousin Valieta DeBord of Princeton; nieces, nephews and family members of cousins; cherished friends from all phases of her journey through life; and her beloved family of friends at Atria.

Loved ones who traveled on before Imogene and are now celebrating with her include her husband Lester; her parents; her sister Diane Tyree Currier; Lester’s parents and brothers and sisters; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Central) Thursday, Nov. 1, at Harris Funeral Home, 7 E. Walnut St., Petersburg, with Rev. Mel Camp and Rev. Evelyn Owens officiating. 

Friends may visit from noon Eastern Time (11 a.m. Central) until the service.  Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Petersburg.