Mary Kirchhoff

Mary Adelle Kirchhoff (Thomas), 97 of Higginsville, Missouri met her Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Meyer Care Center surrounded by her family. She was born Saturday, September 6, 1924 in Peoria, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Burl Thomas and the late Mary Thomas (Reynolds). She graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from Missouri Valley in Marshall, Missouri and earned her Master's in Education from CMSU in Warrensburg. Mary began teaching in Blackburn, Missouri in 1945. She later taught in Concordia, Corder, Higginsville, and Lexington until her retirement in 1989. She married Wilbert Kirchhoff on April 18, 1947 and they spent 64 years together until his passing on January 24, 2011. Mary and Wilbert moved to Higginsville in 1954. Mary stayed home after the birth of each of her four children, but always returned to teaching when they were a little older. She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville and very active with church organizations. She taught bible school, was involved with Youth on Mission, member of the women's quilting guild, and enjoyed the women’s fellowship circles. She took over managing the food pantry at Salem in 1996 and passed the gavel on in 2005. In 2015, Mary was recognized by the Higginsville Rotary for her years as manager of the food pantry. Mary enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, baking, canning, watching all sports on TV, embroidery and quilting. She would often be found in the hallway outside of her room at Meyer Care Center working on a quilt and enjoyed explaining the lost art of hand quilting to those passing by. She and Wilbert loved dancing together and going fishing every Monday at Sterett Creek in Warsaw, Missouri. She loved people, she loved to talk, and loved socializing with friends. Mary was intelligent and sharp, never straying too far from a large book and crossword puzzle. She was an amazing baker and cook, always trying new recipes. There was never a shortage of cookies in Mary’s home. Mary enjoyed spending time with family and especially loved seeing her grandkids. Her unique spunk will be missed by so many. Memories of Mary will be cherished forever. Surviving are three sons, Rodney (Ricki) Kirchhoff of Hallsville, MO, Eric (Gail) Kirchhoff of Higginsville, Jeff (Denise) Kirchhoff of Higginsville; one daughter, Kathleen (Dave) Gallagher of Odessa, MO; one sister, Margaret Collier of De Kalb, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Julie) Kirchhoff, Reid Kirchhoff, Jeremy (Heather) Kirchhoff, Caleb (Dani) Kirchhoff, Crystal (Jared) Sheets, Aimee (Dylan) Meyer, Kali (Jon) Rechterman, Jessica (James) Pratt, Justin Reider (Trisha), Cammi (Brent) Martin, Cory Gallagher (Rachel); great-grandchildren, Brayden, Madisyn, Allison, Laith, Layden, Lawson, Jocelyn, Brynlee, Easton, Creyton, Maclyn, Kai, Zoey, Gunner, Jackson, Hurley, Hayden, Abby, Micah, Brooklyn, Christofer. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Wilbert Kirchhoff. A celebration of life social will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the American Legion Hall 1001 W. 22nd St. Higginsville, Missouri. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday in the City Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris officiating. Memorial contributions may be made out to Family Choice and the family will distribute them to organizations in Mary's honor. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com

Mary Kirchhoff

September 6, 1924 - November 27, 2021