Kirby

Marie Brown Sammann Kirby, 92, died at home March 3, 2023. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on March 17, at First Baptist Church, Dimmitt, Texas, with Mark Brandes officiating. There will be a reception afterwards for friends and family.

Marie was born April 9, 1930 to Ralph and Hettie Morrison Brown in Plainview, Texas. She attended school in the Providence community and graduated from Plainview High School. She loved to play baseball and volleyball. On Nov. 7, 1946 she married Ernest Sammann and through the years they had four children, Alfred Ernest, Charles Clifton, Cheryl Ann and Janet Marie. Marie and Ernest were active at Trinity Lutheran Church and she had many close friends in the JUG club (Just Us Girls). They farmed in the Prairieview community until 1966 when the family moved to a farm southwest of the Flagg community. There was not a Lutheran church nearby so Ernest and Marie were active in the Methodist church. She helped with farming, Corn Saver manufacturing and excelled at being a wife, mother and enthusiastic grandmother. Every grandchild enjoyed many “Benchure Trips” with Grandma!!

After Ernest’s death in 2007, Marie continued to live on the farm. On Feb. 14, 2008, she and Vaden Kirby eloped to Clovis, New Mexico. They remained in the Flagg community and enjoyed 15 years of marriage. Marie never met a stranger. She will always be known for having a big smile, being a fantastic cook and wonderful neighbor, many of whom she claims as family. Vade and Marie were active in the First Baptist Church of Dimmitt. Throughout her life she had a firm testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ and the power of prayer. She led by a strong example.

Marie is survived by her husband Vade; children, Alfred and wife Mira Sammann of Lubbock, Charles and wife Patti Sammann of Amarillo, Cheryl Wing and husband Kelly of Ralls, Janet Sammann of Dimmitt, Anthony and wife Kathy Kirby of Amarillo, Mary and husband Anthony Mays of Decatur, Vada and husband Rick Wilcox of Dimmitt, and daughter-inlaw Belinda Kirby Caperton; plus 24 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren’ and her loyal cat, Piglet. Survivors also include a sister, Shirley Fleming of Missouri; several cousins; along with numerous nieces and nephews, many who claim to be THE favorite.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest; her parents; and sisters, Otero Scheele, Maxine Rigler and Patsy Haley.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/ give.html or 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.