Vera Jean Kirbey

Vera Jean (Osban) Kirbey, 94, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. She was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Lamar, CO, to Floyd and Marie Osban. Vera was the third child of 11.  Jean married Wesley “Swede” Kirbey on Aug. 17, 1947. The couple had eight children together:  Erma, John, Gerald, Paula, Harold, Gwen, Brad and Audra.

Jean worked hard to ensure all of her children had a loving home, whether that home was in Lamar, CO, Del Norte, CO, Sheldon, MO, or El Dorado Springs, MO. She went to work when Swede became disabled. She worked for Quality Products making ceramics, then for Key Clothing in the cutting room. After retiring, Jean spent time taking care of her many grandchildren, participating in church activities at the Sheldon Baptist Church, and enjoying time with her family.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Swede; brothers, Richard (Esther), Ray (Maggie), Jon (Dona) and Chris (Dee); eldest daughter, Erma (Pat); son, Gerald; and her daughter, Gwen.

She is survived by her sons, Tom (Cheryl), John (Sandy), Harold (Andrea), and Brad; daughters, Connie, Paula and Audra (Joe). She is also survived by 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lenora (Edward) of Montrose, CO, Beth (Edwin) of Colorado Springs, CO, Faye (Ed) of Oregon, Joan (Gene) of Lamar, CO, and Ilene (Doug) of Boise City, OK; brother, Leon (Martha) of Colorado Springs, CO. There are also many nieces and nephews surviving their Aunt Jeanie.

Services was Friday, Sept. 13, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Interment followed in the Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon, MO. The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service on Friday at Ferry Funeral Home.