John Ronald Kirby, 81 of Ashland passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center.
He was born on February 21, 1945, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the son of the late Elmer and June (nee Green) Kirby.
John graduated from Columbia High School, Class of 1963. He furthered his education at the University of Findlay.
He married the love of his life the former, Durita Eileen Williams, on September 28, 1974.
John worked in the insurance field most of his career as a insurance investigator, retiring from Insurance Provider Group.
He was a devoted member of the King Road Alliance Church in Ashland. In his early years, John enjoyed playing fast pitch softball and golfing.
John is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mrs. Durita Kirby of Ashland; five children, Michelle (David) Shrum of Delaware, Jacqueline (Darryl) Wilkins of Medina, Brian (Jamie) Kirby of Cardington, Heather (Scott) Hartsel of Ashland, and Aaron Kirby of Tucson, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one sister, Myra Kaswell.
In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by one brother, Garner Kirby; one sister, Julie Fowler; and a brother-in-law, Greg Kaswell.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the King Road Christian Church, 1425 King Road, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Pastor Rich Pate presiding. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to King Road Christian Church or to Ashland County Council on Ageing.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: denbowfh.com