Berneeta Mae Kirby

  Berneeta Mae (Bede) Kirby, 92, of Sioux City passed away peacefully at home after a nearly eight year battle with dementia on February 25, 2023.  Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at New Life Lutheran Church (formerly Immanuel Lutheran Church) located at 315 Hamilton Blvd in Sioux City.  Pastor John Jorgensen will officiate.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

  Berneeta "Bede" Kirby was born June 27, 1930, in Sioux City to Carl J. and Anna Pearl (Clouse) Roman. Berneeta attended school at Central High School and was active in the Art Guild, Hi-Tri, Philomathian and was a majorette for Central's band all three years. While attending school, she met the love of her life, Charles (Jocko) Kirby.

  After Charles served two years in the Navy, they were wed on March 4, 1949 and shared 72 years of marriage.  To this union, two children were born: Jeffrey and Carla.

  Berneeta worked in the candy department of Younker Martin's while attending high school. After having her children, she worked over 30 years as the credit manager at S & L Store which became Bostwicks and then Nina Boutique, located in the Sunset Plaza. She then finished her working career as a front desk receptionist for Internal Medicine in downtown Sioux City.

  Berneeta was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for nearly 80 years and was active in golf leagues at Sun Valley Golf Course as well as bowling leagues at the Plaza Bowl.

  Always considered everyone's "mom" throughout her childrens' school years, Berneeta gladly opened her doors and arms to all neighborhood and school friends.  She hosted countless parties at her home and offered advice, hugs and marvelous home cooked meals to everyone!

  She is survived by her children: Jeffrey Kirby (Terry) of Bloomington, MN, and Carla Brown of Sioux City; four grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Roman of Sioux City; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Sammy.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; two sisters; her in-laws; and a son-in-law, Roger Brown.

  Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice, our cousins and friends that helped us maneuver through this difficult time.

  Mom, we know these past eight years have been a struggle for you, but being the strong old bird you've always been, you made it to the finish line just as you wanted....peacefully and in your own home.  No more worries....no more confusion....no more fear. Now go and enjoy your new life with dad ....Oh and don't forget to wear your head scarf!!  We love you!