Mary Blanche Kirk

Mary "Blanche" Benson Kirk, 80 of Terra Alta and most recently Heartland of Preston County, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday January 18, 2013 after an extended battle with ALS. While many would describe her illness as devastating, Blanche regarded it as a ministry; despite the debilitating and encumbering effects with which she suffered, she was a constant encouragement to her family, friends, and caregivers. Blanche's dedication to her faith and assurance in her salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ never faltered. She was a steadfast servant who exemplified God's grace and love. Blanche was born May 22, 1932 in Bruceton Mills, WV, one of nine children, to the late Robert Cleveland Benson and Mary Pearl Everly Benson. She graduated from Bruceton High School in 1949 and married the love of her life, the late George A. Kirk, Jr. in 1952. Blanche was a Sunday school teacher and a Director of the children's ministries at Hillcrest Chapel in Terra Alta, WV and Florence Bible Chapel in Florence, SC. She always welcomed family, friends, and neighbors into her home and often hosted guest speakers and missionaries. Anyone who ever visited Blanche's home experienced her warm personality, genuine hospitality, and delicious food. Blanche enjoyed cheering for the Mountaineers and rarely missed watching or listening to a game. She loved all things Patriotic, especially Terra Alta's annual Fourth of July Celebration. She leaves behind her children, Beverly and husband Bill Kerns of Pittsburgh, PA; Jerry Kirk and wife Fran of Morgantown, WV; and Barry Kirk and wife Michele of Terra Alta, WV. Blanche is also survived by six grandchildren; Krista and husband Nathan Shonk of Oakton, VA; Janna and husband Jared Jenkins of Morgantown, WV; Brandon Kirk and wife Erin of Morgantown, WV; Holly Kirk of Morgantown, WV; David Kirk and Jonathan "T" Kirk both of Terra Alta and two great grandchildren, Emerson Shonk and Grace Jenkins. She had a very special care giver and friend, Brandy Stemple of Terra Alta, WV, who she loved like one of her own grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Blanche was preceded in death by eight siblings, Clyde Benson, Carl Benson, Robert T. Benson, Thomas Benson, William Benson, Henry Benson, Jane Hileman, and Betty Cottrell. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the staff and caregivers at Heartland of Preston County and Hospice Care Corporation for their excellent care and compassion. Friends may call at the Hillcrest Chapel in Terra Alta on Monday January 21, 2013 from 1pm until time of services at 2pm with her son Barry Kirk and son-in-law Bill Kerns officiating. Burial will follow at the Terra Alta Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly direct donations to Hospice Care Corporation PO Box 760 Arthurdale, WV 26520

Monday, January 21, 2013

Hillcrest Chapel Rt. 7 East terra alta, wv 26764

Monday, January 21, 2013

Hillcrest Chapel Rt. 7 East terra alta, wv 26764