Janet Neely Kirkham

kkJanet Neely Kirkham, age 67 of Renton, passed away quietly on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at UWMC in Seattle, WA with her loving husband and children at her bedside. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Neely and Elizabeth Neely Milmo. She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Emmett O. Kirkham, Jr., her daughter Sheri Stomberg and husband Jon, two sons, Scott Kirkham and wife Laura and Stuart Kirkham and wife Tiffany, sister Diane Bellamy and husband Keith, brother Gregory Neely and wife Teri, uncle Arthur Wells and wife Dolores, nine grandchildren, Amber, Haley, Taylor, Sabryna, Emily, Matthew, Trystyn, Madison and Zachary; two great-grandchildren, Braeden and Neely, and many other family members.  Janet was born in Waynesville, Missouri, and grew up in La Marque, Texas, where she graduated from La Marque High School in 1965. While attending Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas, she married Emmett and became a Navy Wife and later, when Stuart joined the Navy, a Navy Mom, both titles she was very proud of. When Emmett graduated from Texas A&M, she earned her PHT (Pushing Hubby Through) as a working mother. Their life together led them to Houston, Texas, where they were charter members of Bear Creek Baptist Church and she served in the Mother’s Day Out program. After their time in Houston they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. As a member of West Hills Baptist Church and Ball Camp Baptist Church she was actively involved in the nursery and preschool programs. They moved to the Seattle area in 1990 and while a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Renton she served as Wedding Coordinator as well as many other positions. Janet earned an Associate of Arts degree from Green River Community College while working for the FAA Aerospace Division. She retired in 2013 as a 21-year veteran.  For her family, friends and associates she leaves behind fond memories of a woman whose sole purpose and goal in life was to lovingly serve others. A Celebration of Life memorial service for Janet will be on Oct 18, 2014, at Calvary Baptist Church. A service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other similar memorial gifts the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (www.seattlecca.org) or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (www.fhcrc.org).

2 comments

  1. Prayers to all of Janet’s family and friends. In reading her life endeavors, it’s easy to see that she lived her life giving of herself to others. That’s a life of Grace and a beautiful spirit that is loved by many. Peace.

    Jan Smith
  2. missed but not forgotten. prayers to your loved ones for strength and guidance.

    judy van haverbeke ragsdale

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