Nancy Jo Gardner Kirby

Nancy Jo Gardner Kirby was born on June 12, 1944, in Springdale, Arkansas the beloved daughter of the late Jacob H. Gardner and Russell D. Vice Gardner. Her childhood was spent in the Port Clinton, Ohio area where she graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1962 and where she lovingly raised her children. Nancy moved to Madison, Indiana in 1979 and began a dedicated career with the State of Indiana in the health field, serving until her retirement in 2004. She was a member of the West Madison Faith Community Church and enjoyed spending her free time crocheting, solving crossword puzzles, and listening to music. Nancy passed away on September 16, 2026 at the Hampton Oaks Health Campus in Scottsburg, Indiana.

Nancy is survived by her loving children Dewell "Duke" Vernall Kirby, Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana, Todd Lewis Kirby (Patricia) of Chicago, Illinois, Tracy Darren Kirby (Stephanie) of Lexington, Indiana, Dawn Rachelle Kirby Morris of Madison, Indiana, Chris Lee Kirby (Mollie) of Scottsburg, Indiana; her daughter-in-law Jill Kirby of Madison, Indiana; her sister Charlotte Gardner of Tennessee; her grandchildren Zachary Kirby, Jasmine Kirby, Brittany Kirby Madison (Cory), Jared Kirby (Brooklyn), Caroline Kirby Arnold (Taten), Cortney Kirby McIntosh (Arlie), Ashley Kirby, Daniel Kirby, Ryan Kirby, Shelby Kirby, Tyler Kirby (Kari Anne), Ella Grace Morris and Jacob Kirby; her great-grandchildren Malachi, Kylie, Carter, Landon, Elise, Baylie, Addeline, Aurora, Kenleigh, Claire, Elijah, Izabel, Bren, Graham and Adeline Luna; her great-great-grandchild Waylon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Hison Gardner and Russell Dolly Vice Gardner; her son Jeffrey S. Kirby; her siblings Walter "Mark" Gardner (Helen), Mary Esther Gardner Hemmings (Harlon), Elsie Mae Gardner Ratcliff (James), Grace E. Gardner Scott (Robert), Alyne Gardner Shaffer (Jesse), Wanda Jean Gardner Lykins (Raymond), Peggy Anne Gardner Morency (Richard), Shirley Marie Gardner, Jacob Hilton Gardner, Helen Gardner, Pamela Sue Gardner and Johnny Earl Gardner; her son-in-law Terry Morris.

Visitation for Nancy will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive, Madison, Indiana, 47250. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will follow in the Grandview Memorial Gardens near Madison, Indiana.

Memorials in memory of Nancy can be made to the West Madison Faith Community Church at the link below the obituary.

In memory of Nancy, we encourage you to share your favorite stories and photos on her memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of the joy she brought to our lives.