Inabell Kirby

Inabell Trueblood Kirby passed away quietly on Saturday afternoon, January 10, 2009 at St. Marys Hospital, after a lifetime of service to her country and her community.Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Central Christian Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, with military rites by the Macon County Honor Guard. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Decatur Public Library, WILL Radio/Television, Central Christian Church, or to Community Foundation to the Walter and Inabell Kirby Scholarship Fund. Inabell was born on May 18, 1919, in Decatur, the daughter of Julius Addison and Lillia (Catobius) Trueblood. She attended Decatur schools, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She graduated from Millikin University in 1941. Inabell earned a masters degree and doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois. She began her teaching career in Chatham, Illinois in 1941, but transferred to the Decatur schools the following spring. She remained with the Decatur school system until her retirement in 1984, with the exception of two short interludes.From June, 1943 until November, 1945, she served in the military forces, where she was a part of Special Branch, Military Intelligence, and attained the rank of Captain. During the school year 1961 - 62 she was at the University of Illinois, fulfilling the residency requirements for her PhD. In her earliest years in the Decatur schools, she taught science and math, and for five years was Dean of Girls at Johns Hill Junior High. She served as the first Dean of Girls at MacArthur High School when that school opened in 1957, helping to establish standards and organizing procedures for the school. She served as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for two years and finally was Director of Research for the district from 1962 until her retirement in 1984.During her career, she was active in professional organizations, including the Illinois Guidance Association (president one year), the Association for Curriculum Development and served for a number of years on the Research Advisory Committee of the State Office of Education. After retirement, she remained active in two professional associations, Beta Sigma chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Decatur chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. She was a member of St. Marys Hospital Auxiliary where she was chairman of the Scholarship Committee for many years.Inabell was a member of Central Christian Church, where she was an elder emeritus and taught adult Sunday School classes. She married Walter Kirby on March 9, 1963. To this union, Walter brought three adult children and, at that time, three grandchildren. In the 37 years of their marriage, Walter and Inabell enjoyed travel to many countries throughout the world. He died in April, 2000.She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Rothe of Decatur, son, Robert Kirby of Amelia Island, Florida, grandchildren David Dunham, Margaret Gibbs, Martha Dunham, Amy Riebman, Laura Melbourne, Peter Kirby, Robert Kirby, Jr., Henry Miller Rothe and Kate Penhallegon, as well as fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Helen Finch, Betty Johnson, Glendora Tracy, Joe Trueblood, Rosalie Bateman, Barbara Berardi, Bill Trueblood, David Trueblood and Lena Trueblood.Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, daughter Janet, sisters Edith and Elsie, brother Glenn, nephew Jim and great-granddaughter Lisaan.The family wishes to thank Dr. Newlin, Franci Higgins, the staffs of St. Marys Hospital and Fair Havens Christian Home for their loving care and support. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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