Betty Jean (Soughers) Kirby

Betty Jean Kirby passed away peacefully in her sleep at The Villas at Sunny Acres on February 27, 2024, at the age of 102. Betty personified the character, vigor, and determination of “The Greatest Generation.” She grew up during the great depression, helping her rural family survive those challenging times by selling eggs and butter to the local coal miners near the family’s farm in southern Indiana. 

She excelled in school and became one of the first women to be selected to receive the single college scholarship available in her county. The board responsible for awarding the scholarship debated late into the day when they met to decide the scholarship recipient, eventually overcoming concerns that the scholarship would just be wasted if it was given to a woman. It was not wasted. Betty graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Management and a Master’s degree in Nutrition. She enjoyed a 50-year career as registered dietitian and public health nutritionist, taking great pride in serving underprivileged and challenging populations in various professional positions throughout Indiana and Kentucky. Betty was a lifelong member of the American Dietetic Association and was especially fond of her Diamond status within her beloved Alpha Xi Delta sorority. 

She is survived by her son, Michal Kirby, daughter-in-law Karen Stuckemeyer, and two granddaughters, Katie and Kristen Kirby. She is preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Archer, and two brothers, Allen Soughers and Dr. Richard Soughers. She was truly a role model and inspiration to many and will be missed by all who knew her.  

Services for Betty will be at the K of P Cemetery just east of Hymera at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday March 16, 2024, with Pastor Dick Smith officiating. Holmes Memorial Chapel was honored to assist the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jean (Soughers) Kirby, please visit our floral store.