Christine Ann 'Chris' Kirby

CARLSBAD, N.M. - Christine Ann "Chris" Kirby, 84, of Carlsbad, N.M., died peacefully Saturday morning, Jan. 13, 2018, at Landsun Homes nursing and assisted living center in Carlsbad.

The former Christine Ann Rimkus was born March 30, 1933, with her twin sister, Rose, in her family home in Ironwood, Mich. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Leokadja (Koleski) Rimkus. She attended Ironwood schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School.

She was married to Robert "Bob" Kirby on April, 24, 1953, at St. Mary's Church in Platteville, Wis., while Bob was attending college.

Chris was a housewife and mother to five children, two of which were born while husband Bob was still in college.

Chris and Bob moved to Ohio, Virginia, and finally New Mexico in their search to find a home where they didn't need a snow shovel.

Chris was predeceased by her parents, husband, two sisters, Rose Lindsey and Marge Salo; brothers-in-law, Charles Lindsey, Albert Salo and Larry Kirby, and sister-in-law Pat DeSantis.

Surviving Chris are four sons and a daughter: Robert (Debbie), Kevin, Renee (James) and Tom, of Carlsbad, and Dan (Vicki), of Tucson, Ariz .; four grandchildren: Robby (Sheila), in Port Orchard, Wash., Nathan, of Albuquerque, Taylor, of Carlsbad, and Danny, of Tucson; five great-grandchildren: Gabe and Aubree, of Carlsbad, and Khelani, Zachary and Hadley Renae, of Port Orchard; brother Frank Rimkus and aunt Bernice Grbavcich, both of Ironwood; brother-in-law Pete DeSantis and sister-in-law Ginger (Linne) Henrickson and several nieces and nephews.

Out of respect for her wishes Chris has been cremated and she will be interred alongside her loving husband in Hurley, Wis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated this summer at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West Funeral Home in Carlsbad. Condolences may be expressed at westfuneralhomellc.com