Orita Kirkman

Bernice Orita Powell Kirkman


Orita Kirkman, 73, of Olathe, Ks, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2016 at Overland Park Regional Center. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 6th, at 2:00 pm at the Olathe Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 15915 W. 143rd St. All are invited to attend.

Her survivors include her husband, Tracy Dean Kirkman; her children Paul Hunt (Michelle), Deborah Davis (Patrick), Neal Jeffers, Lois Kirkman, Rebecca Kirkman, and Elizabeth Kirkman; her grandchildren Melissa and Jared Hunt, Reeves, Reece, and Loren Barnes, and Seth and Sarah Jeffers; her great-grandchildren Blaine and Braxton Swanson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Orita was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Paul and Bernice Powell. She grew up as an only child in Grain Valley, Missouri on the family farm, where she grew to love flowers and animals. Orita married Mike Hunt in 1963. She had her oldest son, Paul Hunt, and was widowed at a young age. Orita married John Jeffers in 1967. Their children Deborah and Neal Jeffers were born in the Azores. In 1980, Orita married Tracy Dean Kirkman. Their children are Lois, Rebecca and Elizabeth Kirkman. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Orita was known for her spunky, caring personality, her devotion to her family, passion for genealogy, and her love for the United States. She could talk to anyone and would care for those in need. Her grandsons' friends always knew that they had a place to stay and plenty to eat. Her daughters have fond memories of laughing with her, and baking cookies for friends at Christmas. She lived to dote on her six children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Orita had a talent for genealogy and helped so many people find their ancestors. She has left a legacy of family history. As a patriot, she sent care packages and letters to the troops overseas. She was a member of the Olathe Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution and enjoyed being a member of the prestigious organization.

We know she is happy to return to the presence of her Heavenly Father and to be reunited with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Mike Hunt, her father-in-law, Larry Kirkman, and her daughter -in -law, Heather Jeffers.

Orita loved flowers and said, "Buy flowers for your home, and think of me."