Janice “Kay” Kirschman, 75, of Kirksville, MO, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021 at La Plata Nursing Home. Kay was born in Bannock County, Idaho on February 17, 1946, the daughter of Richard Melvin Snyder and Margaret Lucille Morrison Snyder. She was united in marriage to James Lyle Kirschman (New England, ND) on June 2, 1964. Kay was preceded in death by her father Melvin, her brother Jack Winston Snyder, and her mother- and father-in-law Mary and Edward Kirschman.
Kay is survived by her husband James; children, Richard James (Jan) Kirschman of Ankeny, Iowa, Marsha Lynn (Adam) Joyce of La Plata, Missouri, and Jacalyn Ann (Nate) Mollison of Vashon, Washington; her mother, Margaret Snyder of La Plata, MO; ten grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, and Anna Kirschman; Ally, Izzy, Cameron, and Colton Joyce; and Maxwell, Oliver, and Charlotte Mollison; three step-grandchildren, Seth, Paige, and Logan Johnston; four step great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Dianne Kirschman and Sondra Snyder; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Kay was raised in Pocatello, Idaho until the age of four, when her family moved to rural Knox County, Missouri. In 1954 her family moved to Kirksville, where they resided until after she finished high school, began attending college, and got married. She began her education at the Rule School in Benton Township, Knox County from first through third grade, then attended school in Kirksville, graduating with the Kirksville High School Class of 1963.
Throughout their 57 years together Kay and Jim lived in Kirksville, Missouri; Burlington, Iowa; Racine, Wisconsin; returning to Kirksville, Missouri to retire.
Kay spent seven years working for Benner Tea Company in Burlington, Iowa, which she left to spend time caring for her children. After her children were grown she began working outside the home again and finished her working career after 13 years as a transcriptionist with the Racine County Human Services Department.
Kay enjoyed creative pursuits including ceramics, needlepoint, and sewing. She was the family seamstress, sewing clothes for herself and her children, including formal dresses and band uniforms. Kay was deeply curious which shined through in her genealogical research and made many connections throughout the years. Other passions included family, photography, books, and a lifelong love of baseball.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 21 at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E. Shepherd Avenue, Kirksville, Missouri 63501. Visitation will be from 1-2pm, with a celebration of life service at 2 pm, followed by burial at the Pauline Cemetery in Rutledge, Missouri.
The family would like to thank the La Plata Nursing Home for their loving care and staff, and Hospice of Northeast Missouri for the comfort provided.
Memorials in memory of Janice are suggested to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer funeral home in Kirksville, MO.