Patricia K. Kirk, born Nov. 5, 1949, in Abilene, Kan., departed this earth on Jan. 26, 2021.
Pat moved to Belton as a young child. She graduated from Belton High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri State University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Certificate of Financial Management from the University of Denver.
In 1972, Pat entered into a 50-year partnership with Carl Kirk, a member of the United States Air Force.
Pat began her professional career in 1970, as one of only four female probation officers with the Missouri Department of Probation and Parole. Pat then worked for the United States Navy Recruiting Command and concluded her working career with 32 years of service to the Internal Revenue Service. Pat was referred to by friends and colleagues as a “mover and shaker”, as she relocated 21 times in 20 years, achieving an unprecedented level of success prior to her retirement in 2005 as the Acting Director of the IRS’s Phoenix office.
Pat and Carl moved back to Missouri in 2010. She was an active member of the South Haven Baptist Church, and she served in numerous charitable organizations and church activities her entire life. Although Pat did not have children, she enjoyed serving children as a court appointed Special Advocate for CASA.
First impressions reflected a serious demeanor, but Pat’s friendliness and sense of adventure allowed her to easily make friends and befriend animals. Pat viewed life as God’s gift with a purpose to make a positive difference while on this Earth. Her lasting wish is for each of you to live a positive, purposeful life.
In addition to Carl, she is survived by her mother, Viola Stevens, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Dean Stevens, and her brother, Richard Stevens, of Belton.
A Celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Feb. 20, 2021. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m., at South Haven Baptist Church in Belton. Senior Pastor Richard Young will officiate and burial will follow at the Belton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Belton School Foundation or to the University of Central Missouri.
McGilley and George Funeral Homes