Thelma L. Kirtley

Thelma L Kirtley, age 94 of Battle Creek, peacefully moved to her forever home in Heaven on Thursday, November 21, 2024. She was born November 15, 1930, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Ralph and Rosetta (Loper) Woodhull. She was a graduate of Flint Northern High School and had worked at Ternstedt Plant, later known as AC Delco. She met and married E.J. Kirtley on April 26, 1957, after a whirlwind romance of 28 days. Her hobbies included sewing, crochet, Bible study and most notably, her extreme enthusiasm for playing games with her friends and family. She had a strong desire to share her faith in Jesus and help others in need. She was preceded in death by her Husband, E.J. Kirtley, Sons, Dennis and Paul Kirtley, Great grandson, Evan Watson, Parents, Ralph & Rosetta Woodhull, Brothers; Ralph Woodhull II, Orville Woodhull, Gordon Woodhull and Kenneth Woodhull. Surviving Children: Sandra (Bill) Vanover of Bloomfield Hills, MI., Mary (Tim) McAlvey of Battle Creek, MI., Steve (Nancy) Kirtley of Delray Beach, FL, Becky (Rob) Banaszak of Hickory Corners, MI. and Daughter-in-Law, Susan Kirtley of Battle Creek, MI; Grandchildren: Tom (Becky) Campbell, Stacey (Rich) Nell, Matt (Beth) McAlvey, Christine (Austin) Watson, Michael (Bethany) McAlvey, Jared (Lisa) Kirtley, Troy (Brandi) Kirtley, Ryan (Rachel) Banaszak and Tara (Shane) Bivens. She is also survived by 20 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek at 11:30 with visitation and light breakfast snacks from 10:00 to 11:15. A private family dinner will be held following the service. The family is beyond grateful for the kindness shown by the staff at Northpointe Woods Independent Living and Pineview Assisted Living, where she lived out her last years, and the compassion and dedication shown to her by Heartland Hospice in her last weeks. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Gideons or Calvary Baptist Church.