BOURBONNAIS, ILLINOIS
Brenda J. Kirts, 77, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023, in Franklin, Indiana surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on October 16, 1946, in Columbus, Indiana to Verl and Rissie (Osborne) Kirts. Brenda grew up in Nashville, Indiana and graduated with honors from Brown County High School. She attended Olivet Nazarene College, graduating with high honors in 1969 with a B.A. in Education. As a student athlete, she was recognized by being inducted into ONU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. She received her M.S. degree from Indiana State University in 1977.
In 1969, Brenda started her teaching/coaching career at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. She taught physical education, drivers ed, and health. She coached the girls’ tennis and badminton teams. She was active in numerous ways at the school (S.A.D.D. sponsor, Gym Leaders, Winter Sports Festival chairperson, WSI during open pool hours, summer tennis camps, and teacher union negotiator to name a few). She retired after 33 years at BBCHS in 2002.
Brenda had a kind and generous spirit. She helped many with little fanfare or recognition. She had a positive way of encouraging others to be their best self. Her strong faith shone brightly and gave her the strength to endure whatever life threw at her. She was a member of Parkview Church of the Nazarene.
She loved to read, play golf, and go camping. After retiring she enjoyed traveling the country in her motorhome.
Brenda is survived by her brother, Omar (Marolyn) Kirts, and her sister, Sue Hardwick; nieces, Edith Jane Rosenberry, Angela (Mike) Mathis, and Kristina Hardwick; great-nephews, Tully Hardwick-McKee and Seth Mathis, and great-niece, Micah Kay Mathis.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Don Hardwick.
Join us to celebrate Brenda’s life at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 20th at Parkview Church Of The Nazarene, 1750 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sign her online guestbook at jessenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home &Simple Cremation ~ Whiteland Chapel. 729 N. US Highway 31, Whiteland, IN 46184. (317) 535-6880. www.jessenfuneralhome.com
