Mary Margaret "Maggie" Kirts

Mary Margaret “Maggie” Kirts, age 93, of Mattoon, IL peacefully passed away Saturday, February 25,2023 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones. A Funeral Mass in her honor will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938; A graveside burial will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery. A rosary service will be conducted at 3:30 PM, Wednesday, March 1,2023 at the church. The family will receive friends at 4:00 PM at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of arrangements. Maggie was born on March 12, 1929, in Mattoon, IL to the late John J. “Jack” and Julia V. (Fields) Ryan. She married Ralph M. Kirts on June 14, 1952, in Mattoon, IL; he preceded her in death on September 12, 1977. She is survived by seven devoted children: Mary C. “Christy ”Ashworth and husband Rex of Byron, IL, Bridget A. Upton and husband Don of Mattoon, IL, Kevin G. Kirts and wife Barb of Mattoon, IL, Monica C. Sell and husband Bob of Peoria, IL, Lisa F. McMichaels and husband Brian of Mattoon, IL, Sean P. Kirts and wife Barb of Mattoon, IL, Kyle T. Kirts and wife Jennifer of Dayton, OH; twenty grandchildren: Michael A. Ashworth and wife Morgan of Byron, IL, Meaghan C. Ashworth and fiancé Alex Didier of Byron, IL, Matt S. Upton and wife Shana of Mattoon, IL, Nick D. Upton and wife Ginny of Celina, TX, Gabe M. Upton and wife Erin of San Antonio, TX, Katie S. Kirts of New York, NY, Jake C. Kirts and wife Meaghan of Ottowa, IL, Zach R. Kirts of Dallas, TX, Bethanie M. Grady and husband Cooper of Charleston, SC, Carla J. Burton and husband Josh of Chillicothe, IL, Jamie M. Clark of Peoria, IL, Ryan P. Sell and wife Brianna of Peoria, IL, Miranda F. Dillon and husband Michael of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Aubrie C. Bentley and husband Cory of Mattoon, IL, Emily A. Strader and husband Kenny of Mattoon, IL, Kegan P. and Sawyer R. Kirts of Mattoon,IL, Brendan J., Colin G., and Maire Clare Kirts, all of Dayton, OH; and nineteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by one great-grandchild. A woman of great faith, Mrs. Kirts was a devout lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. She was employed as the secretary for the parish from 1969 until 1980, librarian for St. Mary School from 1980 until 1985, and school secretary from 1985 until her retirement in 2005. She was a proud member of Daughters of Isabella and founding member of the Mattoon Chapter of Right to Life, an organization dear to her heart. In 2014, Maggie received the distinguished award Our Lady of Good Counsel Women of Distinction from the Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Selfless and charitable, Maggie actively volunteered at numerous church dinners, Meals on Wheels, and at Lifespan Center for Senior Citizens. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, playing bridge for over sixty years, and traveling to her favorite destinations in Florida, Hawaii, and Ireland. Maggie was the happiest when surrounded by family, that was where her heart was. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, always doting on their many achievements. A true matriarch to all, Maggie left a legacy of wisdom and cherished memories. She will be forever remembered for her love of family, her faith, generosity to others, and forever fighting for the rights of the unborn. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her most and the many friends she made over the years. The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers, Heather, Anna, Kayla, the staff at Visiting Angels and Lincolnland Hospice. Memorials in her honor may be made to Choices Pregnancy and Health, 105 N. 10th #3, Mattoon, IL 61938 and Society of St. Vincent De Paul, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with a family.

Tributes

Mary Margaret "Maggie" Kirts

March 12, 1929 - February 25, 2023