Ruth Hood Kirby passed away Monday January 2, 2012 at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.

She was born March 13, 1929 in Huxford, Alabama to the late Robert Carl and Liddie Harrison Hood.  She is preceded in death by her husband of over fifty years, Thomas Rayford Kirby, and a brother, James Hood.

She was a graduate of McCullough High School and was Salutatorian of her graduating class. Ruth and her late husband, Thomas Rayford Kirby were members of First Baptist Church of Atmore since 1953.  She was a faithful member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class and served as President for many years.  Ruth was an outstanding volunteer of many organizations including the American Red Cross, The American Cancer Society, the Leukemia Society and was an Escambia County poll worker for all elections held in the State of Alabama for over forty years.

Survivors include one daughter, Patricia K. Eddins and husband, John of Atmore, two sons, Thomas R. Kirby, Jr and wife Aline of Evergreen, Al. and David M. Kirby of Atmore. Three grandchildren, Kimberly Eddins Hammonds, Wade Kirby and Jason
Kirby, three great-grandchildren, Kirby Eddins, Timothy Patrick Hammonds and Madison Ruth Hammonds. Two sisters,  Hazel H. Hicks of Birmingham, Al and Grace H. McCrory of Prattville, Al. and her beloved yorkie, Luke.

Services will be Thursday January 05, 2012 at 11:30AM from First Baptist Church of Atmore with Rev. Kelly Brown and Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be her Grandsons, Great-Grandsons, and Nephews, Wade Kirby, Jason, Kirby, Kirby Eddins, Patrick Hammonds, Bob Hood, Rusty Hicks and Ricky McCrory. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of her Sunday School Class: Marie Alston, Shirley Farr, Barbara Haley, Dot Killam, Ruby Lowrey, Clara O’Farrell, Gertrude Smith, Charlotte Boyle, Linda Mills and Florence Hardy, and special friends Jeanette Smith, Ann flowers, Joyce Fuller and Audrey Barnes.

Family receive friends Thursday Janurary o5, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Atmore one hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Atmore Renewal and Restoration Fund.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home,INC in charge of all arrangements. Atmore, Al.