Donna Marie Kirby

Donna Marie Kirby of Castle Rock, aged 76, died peacefully on September 26, 2014 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Donna was born August 3, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Rudolph and Nina Ehmann. A lifelong resident of Douglas and Elbert counties, Donna's ancestors had homesteaded in the Lake Gulch area of Douglas County beginning in 1861. Donna attended Douglas County schools and she graduated as class valedictorian from Douglas County High School in 1956. She completed coursework at the University of Colorado and Metropolitan State University, ultimately graduating with honors from Metro State in 1982. In 1958, Donna married Robert Logan Kirby, her beloved husband of over 56 years. The couple had four children, Robert R. Kirby (Vickie) of Houston, Texas, Debbie Gasser (Gary) of Castle Rock, Diana Voorhies (Mark) of Fort Collins, and Dana VanMarter (Geordie) of Crested Butte. Donna's professional career included serving as court clerk for the Elbert County Government and eventually being appointed Elbert County Judge by Governor Richard Lamm, a position she held for 20 years. While serving as a county judge, Donna was elected by her peers to be the president of the Colorado Association of Judges. While residing in Kiowa, the family hosted several foreign exchange students and also served as foster parents for a number of different children. She was an avid supporter of the Kiowa schools and enjoyed serving as PTCC president, scorekeeper at sporting events, directing school plays, and many other school-related activities. Her interests included gardening, doll collecting, and sewing. The family spent their summers relaxing and recreating on assorted area lakes. In her retirement years, it was a special treat to spend time with family and friends at their vacation home near Branson, Missouri. Donna was a lifelong member of the St. Francis of Assisi parish in Castle Rock and enjoyed greatly performing in the church choir along with her husband. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother. She is survived by her husband and children, 16 grandchildren, her brothers Richard Ehmann (Joanne) and Jerry Ehmann (Shirley), her sisters Katherine Bowen (John) and Mary King, and many dear friends. A rosary vigil is planned for September 30, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock. A mass of Christian burial will follow immediately at the church beginning at 11 a.m. A rite of committal will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Castle Rock following the funeral mass. And following the rite of committal, a luncheon will be hosted back at St. Francis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or to Catholic Charities. Service Information