Kelly Kirby, 47

Kelly Kirby, 47, “went to heaven” Thursday, April 5, 2012, at her home in Bigfork.

Kelly was born June 3, 1964, to Jim and Noreen Kirby. After graduating from Bigfork High School in 1982, Kelly climbed into her car and hit the road — Alaska bound! Most of her adult life was spent in Alaska, returning to Montana four years ago.

Her huge heart led her at an early age into a 10-year career of being a nurse’s aide in Montana and Alaska.

While driving a roller on the Alaska Pipeline, she met Herb Boyle. They married and together had one son, Skyler James Boyle.

She furthered her education by attending cosmetology school in Salem, Ore. Back in Alaska, she worked as a telephone operator at GCI in Wasilla and was pictured on the front cover of their brochure. When she was offered a position as recorder for a title company in Wasilla, she took it, eager for a new adventure.

Describing Kelly in one word  —  passionate! She was passionate in the love for her son, family, friends and animals. Passionate for what she believed in. There were only four things that she could not find beauty in — snakes, spiders, worms and slugs. Kelly found great joy and comfort in caring for her three kitty cats, plus two stray kitties that she took in.

She was always generous and hardworking. She loved loud music, travel, the beach, bright colors and anything that sparkled — the more bling, the better! If anyone she loved was having a bad day, she would do anything to get them to smile — it usually worked, as her smile was contagious.

Kelly is survived and lovingly remembered by the following: her son, Skyler, age 25 of Wasilla, currently residing in Bigfork; parents, Jim and Connie Kirby, of Bigfork; Noreen and Bob Mills of Glennallen, Alaska; sisters, Julie and Kirk Wilson of Glennallen, and Tammy and Gregg Ganz of Bigfork; brothers, Jeremy Kirby of Bigfork, and Paul and Lisa Kirby of Bigfork; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roy and Thelma Kirby, and Lloyd and Doris Smith.

Celebration of Mass of Christian Burial for Kelly will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork, with Father Donald Shea as celebrant.