Obituary of Ethel Rhae Kirk

Ethel Rhae (Mackey) Kirk, 84, of Eaton, formerly of New Mexico, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, at her daughter’s home with her family at her side.  She was born November 6, 1939, in Silver City, NM to Raymond Harold and Addie Ethel (Corn) Mackey. 

She met her husband, Michael David Kirk while on a school bus in Hillsboro, NM.  They later married on April 5, 1956, in New Mexico.   

Ethel followed her husband to Fort Collins, Colorado where she worked for CSU as secretary to the dean of Civil Engineering while her husband pursued his degree in veterinary medicine. 

After his graduation in 1970 from CSU, they relocated to Reno, Nevada where she worked for the Veterans of Foreign Affairs, the banking industry and University of Nevada, Reno in admissions and records.  She furthered her education along the way while raising her 2 girls, she finished her career working at the school of journalism at UNR. After retiring she enjoyed her hobbies which consisted of collecting rocks of all kinds, collecting cow figurines, photography and raising Santa Gertrudis cattle with her husband.  She also enjoyed reading mysteries and romance novels.  She especially liked Tony Hillerman and Danielle Steele novels. 

She was one of the most kind, caring and generous woman you would ever meet. Her priority was her family, always putting them first before herself. 

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Michael D. Kirk, daughters; Donna (David) Clifford and Faye (James) Fanning, four grandchildren; Kyle Fanning, Kevin (Tay) Clifford, Kayla (Michael) Hammer, and Dustin Clifford, four great-grandchildren; Kyler, Kayson, Keaton and Mia, her brother, Raymond (Vickki) Mackey and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Edie, Shirley, and Dorothy. 

Per Ethel’s request and family there will be a private service held in the Summer of 2024.   

“Mom, we hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So, rest in peace Mom, thanks for all you’ve done for us.”

Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.