Marcella Kirk, of Warsaw, went home to be with her Lord on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at the age of 85.
She was born on Aug. 31, 1939, in Alphoretta, Ky., to Martha Howard Slone and Edward “Ed” Slone. Marcella grew up as a pastor’s daughter, in a large family as one of eight children. She faced many hurdles throughout her life and these experiences, and the tough times molded her into a strong willed, independent, and loving Christian woman who trusted her Heavenly Father.
She was married on Dec. 5, 1959, to Cecil Leroy Kirk, and they shared 27 years of marriage together before he passed away on Sept. 29, 1987. Marcella lived most of her life in Kosciusko County and was a familiar face at Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, working in the dietary department for 15 years. She had a good sense of humor and Marcella was kind to others, once she let you into her heart, she would make you feel like family. The bonds she formed with people were never taken lightly if you were lucky enough to find someone special who would stick by you through thick and thin, and she never took that for granted.
Family was very important to her, and she loved them fiercely. She was a great mom, and would simply do anything for her children, family and friends alike. Always one to look after the underdog, Marcella had a giving heart to anyone in need. She was a wise lady, and even in her silence you could still learn a lot from her.
Marcella will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Tina Lynn (Jay) Anderson, Warsaw; Kimberly Jean (Marcus) Hygema, Cookeville, Tenn.; six grandchildren: Tiffany Anderson, Warsaw; Zachary (Abbey) Anderson, Terre Haute; Samantha (Logan) Sadler, Kingsland, Ga.; Marissa Anderson, Warsaw; Morgan Hygema, Cookeville, Tenn.; and Zeb Hygema, Cookeville, Tenn.; and three great-grandchildren: Taylor Riley, Emmett Sadler and Scarlett Sadler. Also surviving are two sisters, Louise Hopkins, Warsaw; and Edna Hughes, Warsaw. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Leroy Kirk; sister, Hattie Brown; and four brothers: Ed, Ted, Will and Darrell Slone.
Marcella’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 24 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Terry Bradford. She will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake.
Friends and family may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral home, as well as an hour prior to the service on Thursday, April 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.