Ruby Irene Kirkman, 99, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away at The Villas of Holly Brook, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with her loving family by her side.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home. A burial will be held following the service at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ruby’s name to the First Christian Church Music Department. Envelopes will be available at the services or can be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com.
Ruby was born to the late Virgil Eugene Jackman and Hester Louise (Ilant) Jackman on October 20, 1925, in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Ruby married the love of her life, Gordon Kirkman, on March 21, 1947, in the Presbyterian Church in Orio where she was a member for many years and was active in the choir and was on several committees. Ruby and Gorden enjoyed 58 years of marriage together. After marrying Gordan, she became a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Mt. Carmel and was honored as a 50-year member. She loved her church and served whenever she could. Ruby and Gordon were active in the church choir. She served on the Mt. Carmel Day Care Board and was Elder Emeritus. Her favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm.
Ruby loved to entertain in her home with family and friends and was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Her family was very devoted to Ruby and survivors include daughters:
Janice (Sam) Palmer of Phoenix, Arizona, Janet Sanders of Allendale, Illinois, and a son, Kent Kirkman of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; sisters, Wanda Johnson and Charlene (David) Putnam; 6 grandchildren: Tim Sanders, Samuel Palmer, Summer Milroy, Tyler Kirkman, Clayton Kirkman, and Carly Kirkman; 4 great-grandchildren: Zachary Palmer, Lily Kirkman, Connor Kirkman, and Lola Gates; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Violet Palmer. Preceding Ruby in death were her parents; husband, Gordon Kirkman; brothers, Dale Jackman and Jim Jackman; and son-in-law, Charles Sanders.
Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kirkman family.
