Mabel A. Kirby

Mabel Alice Kirby, 102, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Carlisle Place.



She was born at home in rural Bucyrus on October 23, 1919 to the late William and Nellie (Miller) Daiber. She attended Mt. Zion School and then worked at General Electric for a number of years. On April 12, 1952 she married Richard F. Kirby and they shared 41 years of marriage until his passing on July 20, 1993.



God gave Mabel the gift of enriching the lives of children. She and Richard were active members of the Bucyrus Nazarene Church going back to when it was located on the corner of E. Warren and Iron Streets. Here began her many years of teaching the 4- and 5-year-old Sunday School class and Kindergarten Church. Mabel’s love for children carried over to the more than 100 children for whom she babysat. She had a lasting positive influence on their lives. She always enjoyed hearing from them and about them when they graduated from her care. “Her kids” were more likely to cry when it was time to go home rather than when they arrived. This “babysitter extraordinaire” told the best stories, initiated the most creative games, made home-made playdough, and encouraged countless adventures like playing in the sandbox, running through the yard, or picnicking in the grove. Mabel was an excellent cook, and those she watched said she made the best “spider meat” (stringy roast beef). Her homemade chicken and noodles and angel food cake were also family favorites. Mabel’s love of caring for people involved not only little ones. She cared for her parents and her mother-in-law when they were in declining health.



Mabel is survived by two sisters, Roma Keller and Joyce Brown. She was a special aunt to many nieces and nephews and showered much love on her extended family and friends.



She was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Daiber, Lloyd Daiber, Florence Daiber and two who died during infancy; two brothers-in-law, James Keller and Richard Brown; three sisters-in-law, Hazel Daiber, Bonnie Daiber and Wanda Daiber as well as a close niece, Marsha Shumaker.



Friends may call from 11-11:55 am Thursday, May 12 at Wise Funeral Service, where her funeral will be held that day at 12:00 pm with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Oakwood Cemetery.



If desired, donations can be made payable to the Bucyrus Nazarene Church (to benefit the children’s ministry) or to Samaritan’s Purse. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and memories are encouraged to be shared on her tribute wall.