Jean Kathryn Kirby

Jean Kathryn Kirby, age 82, of Thebes, Ill. passed away at 6:35 am Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston, Mo.

She was born March 3, 1944, in Anna, Ill., daughter to the late Lloyd Eugene and Ione E. (Oberts) Knupp.

She was a member of Beech Grove Baptist Church in Thebes and she was a homemaker. Kathryn was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

She was a loving mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elvis “Bud” Kirby in 2007; and her daughter, Susan Dianne Cain in 2025. 

She is survived by her children, Robert L. "Bob" (Lisa) Kirby, Robin (John) Bruer, Tony (Paula) Kirby and Gayla (Jason) Warren; brother, Larry Wayne Knupp; sisters, Delores Adams and Janet Cole; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms. Rev. Kenny Wilson officiated. Interment will followed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, Ill.

Jones Funeral Home Tamms is in charge of the arrangements.