Evelyn Kirby

Evelyn Kirby, 98, of Brookings, SD, formerly of Aurora, SD. passed away Friday Sept. 5, 2025 at the Neighborhoods at Brookview, Brookings, SD.
Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Impact Church, Aurora, SD. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Rudes Funeral Home.
Evelyn Kirby was, born on Feb. 11, 1927, in Mt. Vernon, SD, the daughter of Hugo and Hilda (Thorborg) Gries.
Evelyn received her education in rural school District No. 83 in Brookings County, SD. She left home at 14 to work in the Aurora Caf for room and board and spending money.
She was united in marriage to Ernest Kirby on July 26,1947 in Luverne MN. They purchased the caf. They continued to live in Aurora to raise their family. In 1970, Evelyn was employed with the school lunch program until her retirement in 1992.
She is a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church and a member of the Aurora United Methodist Women.
Her church family was very important to her.
Evelyn is survived by Rhonda (Greg) Pulford of Madison, SD; Kevin (Jackie) Kirby of Aurora, SD; Keely (Dan) Elsasser of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Mary Williams of Brookings SD; daughter-in-law Ellie Kirby and family of CA; sister-in laws Nancy Gries and Jean Gries; brother-in-law Fred Miller; 8 grandchildren, 19 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hugo and Hilda, husband Ernest, son Kyle, siblings Irene, Dorothy, Irvin, Herbert, Raymond, Albert, Marvin, and Melvin.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.