Iva was born in Wheatland Township in Fayette County on Aug. 19, 1918, daughter of Charlie Renso and Edith Ann Aldridge Haslett. She worked real hard to recover after falling in October 2010 and breaking her neck, but it proved to be just too much for her. Iva began her journey Home on Feb. 18, 2011, with family members at her bedside in her home.

She married Clifford Samuel Kirby Sr. on Nov. 6, 1938, and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary before dad's passing on Feb. 5, 2003.

Her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with her family and having family get-togethers where she would have a great feast prepared in no time as if there was nothing to it. Mom was a hard worker, gardening, canning and taking care of her home and family. She also worked outside the home a few years; the last was at Norge.

Mom enjoyed working with her flowers. She spent many hours making quilts for each other children. She leaves us these heirlooms, along with many happy memories. Her biggest pastime the past few years was putting puzzles together; there was always one set up for us to work on with her when we'd go to visit. Many of them have been sealed, framed and given away.

After moving back to St. Elmo, she was happy to return to Fairview United Methodist Church in Avena, where she had attended while growing up.

Surviving are daughters: Jean (Lyle) Locke of Pana; Janet (Gene) Ireland of Beecher City, Lois Brozio of Decatur, and Lana (Lowell) Sefton of Brownstown; sons: Sam (Sherry) Kirby Jr. of St. Eimo, and Wayne Kirby of Calvert City, Ky.; grandchildren: Pamela Sheraden, Scott Locke, Greg, Rodney and Anthony Ireland, Robin White, Tammie Shocker, Jennifer Hooker, Kim Sapp, Kelly Miller, Katrina Wollerman, Kirby Sefton, Kara Barker, Dana Cersley, Samantha Henderickson, Troy Pattillo, John, Dustin and Ryan Kirby, and Scott Sharman; 34 great-grandchildren; six great-stepgrandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three great-great-stepgrandchildren; brothers, Kenneth "Cap" Haslett and Leo (Betty) Haslett, both of St. Elmo; brother-in-law, Fred Love of Owensboro, Ky.; sister, Edna Lyles of Sugarland, Texas; brother-in-law, Noble (Arlene) Kirby of Wheeler; sisters-in-laws, Edith (Walter) Lamb of Martin Tenn., and Geneva Quinto of Lyndon Station, Wis.; and many, many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; granddaughter, Peggy Ireland; grandson, Jeffrey Ireland; stepgrandson, Taylor Wollerman; sisters, Thelma Calvert, Verla Hanson and Violet Love, brothers, Willie, Bobby, Clarence, James and Claude Haslett.

The family wishes to extend its thanks and gratitude to the staff at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, Friendship Manor in St. Elmo, Fayette County Hospice and to all our many family and friends for all of their love, support, food, calls and visits during mom's illness. A special thanks to Tom Fedrigon for his visits, support and prayers for Iva and her family during this tune.

Visititation at Gieseking Funeral Home in Altamont from 6-8 p.m and one hour before services.

Celebration of life will be held at the St. Elmo Christian Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, with the Rev. Tom Fedrigon officiating.

Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Avena. Memorials: Fairview United Methodist Church, Fayette County Health Department Hospice or donor's choice.

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