Fern Ellen Kirkley

Fern E. Kirkley, 3rd generation Galvestonian, passed away peacefully at her home on May 23, 2025. Born on June 30, 1927, Fern was a remarkable woman known for her independence and strength. She achieved her college degree by attending night classes in her 60s and continued her career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers until she was 85 years old.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lenora Kirkley; her siblings, William L. Kirkley, Jr. (Beatrice), David Kirkley (Billie), and Marvin Kirkley (who passed away at 20 months old); her step-siblings, Jean Ketterberg Jines (Dave) and Anton F. (Sonny) Kettenberg; Edward F. Hoffman, the father of her five daughters; and her daughters Linda H. Nataro and Marla H. Duhon, as well as her son-in-law Bill Knight.
She is survived by her daughters, Judie H. Lester (Kirby), Karen Knight, and Elise Lippincott (Larry); her grandchildren, Arch W. Hester, Jr., Heather Nataro Hill (Heston), April L. Roy (Bill), Jillian L. Cuello (Erasmo), Michael W. Duhon, Jr., Jade M. Hoffman, Mason P. Duhon, and Meredith Lippincott; and her great-grandsons, Stephen Hester, Allen Hill, and Leo, Devon, and Damon Cuello, and last, but not least, her precious fur baby Sarah Jean.
Fern lived her life with unwavering determination and on her own terms until the very end. May she rest in peace.