Kathleen Rose Kirk

Kathleen Kirk ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder Hall Chapel on Mar. 17, 2026.Kathleen "Kathy" Rose Kirk, age 89, died peacefully at Brethren Care Village in Ashland, Ohio surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 14, 2026.Kathy was born on February 21, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, as the eldest daughter of the late Raymond and Rose (Stefanic) Jost. She is preceded in death by her sister, Rosemary, and surviving are her brothers Ray (Diane deceased) and Tom (Sally). Kathy graduated from Notre Dame High School, an all-girls Catholic school, also in St. Louis, Missouri. During high school, her best friend Mary Alice Schlitt introduced Kathy to her brother, Ed Schlitt. The happy couple were married in January of 1958.The young couple was blessed with five sons, all born in St. Louis. Kathy was a wonderful and loving mother to these young boys. In 1972, her husband, Ed, bought the shoe store in Sutton & Lightner department store prompting a move to Marion, Ohio. After Ed's sudden death in 1983, Kathy courageously became a businesswoman who managed three shoe stores for over a decade.Kathy lived her life with a quiet strength rooted deeply in her faith. As a devoted Catholic, her beliefs guided the way she loved, served, and cared for others. Her faith was not only something she practiced, but something she lived every day through her kindness, humility, and devotion to her family. She was always happy to share her delicious cooking with families in need at St. Mary Parish in Marion.After the last of her boys left home, she met James (Jim) Kirk and quickly fell in love again. The two married in Marion in 1993 and worked side-by-side serving Jim's retail customers in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan for the Serv-a-Lite company. While on the road, they loved to stop at all the antique stores in search of the rarest of glass candy containers. After retirement, Jim and Kathy enjoyed spending winters in Florida with their friends from Marion. In 2009, Kathy became a widow again when Jim passed away.Above all, Kathy's greatest pride and joy was her family. She proudly spoke about raising her five sons, a role she cherished more than any other. Through patience, strength, and unconditional love, she built a family that reflected the values she held dear. To Kathy, her five sons were her greatest accomplishment and her greatest blessing. She was always bragging about her five sons but had great hope to one day have a granddaughter. She had ten grandsons born before she was finally granted her wish in 2004 with the arrival of her sole granddaughter.Kathy also enjoyed quiet moments spent working on crossword puzzles, a pastime that kept her mind sharp and brought her simple joy. She also enjoyed watching old television shows (her favorite was the Andy Griffith Show) and watching baseball games, especially the Cardinals and the Indians. Although she loved to cook, she really savored the sweets – especially chocolates and vanilla ice cream.Left to cherish her memory are her beloved sons: Edward E. "Ernie" (Amy) Schlitt, Peter J. Schlitt, Daniel J. (Sharon) Schlitt, and Kevin G. (Erin) Schlitt. She was predeceased by her son Michael "Mike" Schlitt. Grandchildren include Auggie, J.R., Justin, Matt, Stephen, Matt, Danny, Anthony, Thomas, Bobby, Logan, Brendan, and Colin. Also surviving are four great grandchildren.From her second marriage, Kathy is survived by James D. Kirk (Debra), Thomas Kirk, and Mary Elizabeth (Dana, deceased) Dillinger. Deceased are Kathryn Ossing, and David (Donna) Kirk. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.Visitation will be held from 5PM-7PM on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Snyder Funeral Homes, GUNDER/HALL Chapel; 347 W. Center St., Marion, OH 43302.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 251 N. Main St. Marion, OH.A graveside service will be held immediately following the service at St. Mary's Cemetery of Marion.In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy's memory can be made to Brethren Care Village, 2140 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805, or St Mary Church, 251 N. Main St., Marion, OH 43302Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Kathy and her family; online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.