Ricky A. Kirby

Ricky A. Kirby obituary, St. Joseph, MI

Ricky A. Kirby

Ricky Kirby Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Newell Chapel - Decatur on Jun. 13, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Ricky A. Kirby, 66, of Decatur, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at his home in Decatur.
The family will receive guests from 10am until the time of celebration of life at 11am, Monday, June 16, 2025 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, Pastor Mark Hofstra officiating. Burial to follow at Harrison Cemetery, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be given to Bronson Cancer Center, www.bronsonhealth.com/locations/bronson-cancer-center-kalamazoo/ or Gentiva Hospice, www.gentivahsp.com.
Ricky was born August 29, 1958 in Kalamazoo, MI to John Kirby and Irene (Adams) Hill. Ricky was always an active guy; he enjoyed keeping busy, whether it was working hard throughout his 37 year career at Grissom Dry Wall Service as a dry wall installer or chasing down an 11-point buck in waist deep snow. If he wasn't hunting, you could always find Ricky out catching fish or spending time at Pitcher Lake campground socializing with friends. He loved maintaining a higher level of living, even down to his final days. Despite his many passions in life, nothing outweighed family moments; especially his marriage to Rose (Grissom) Soti on April 15, 2005 and his last hunt where he helped his grandson get his first kill.
Ricky will be missed by his wife of 20 years, Rose Soti; his children, Nicole Tullos, Damon Soti, and Amanda Kirby; his grandchildren, Marcus Smith, Monica West, Trent Kirby, David Kirby, Veronica Pease, Lakota Roberts, and Gabriel Roberts; and his siblings, Johnny Kirby, Debbie Graves, Jimmy Kirby, Melissa Terry, Lisa Terry, and Lori Kirby.
He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Destiny Pease; his brother, Billy Terry; and his parents.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Ricky
How to support Ricky's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ricky Kirby's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Ricky Kirby's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?