ANNA MAE PONTIOUS KIRTS

September 16, 1923 – May 2, 2025

ELKHART- Anna Mae Pontious Kirts, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday May 2, 2025, at the age of 101.  She was born, September 16, 1923, in Elkhart, Indiana and was the oldest daughter of Ralph and Loreen Pontious.  On May 20, 1944, she traveled to Tallahassee, Florida to marry Benjamin Kirts, Jr., who was stationed there before he left for Europe to fight in World War II.  On his return, they made their home in Elkhart, Indiana, where they were life-long residents.  After his death in 1995, Anna spent her time involved with family and friends and community activities.  She was one of the original members of the New Horizon Band and enjoyed the performances and friendships she made during that time.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Kirts; her parents, Ralph and Loreen Pontious; her sister, Lillian Selick; her brother, Donald Pontious; her brothers-in-law, William Selick, Donald Kirts, and Melvin Kirts.  Also, preceding her in death was her niece, Pat Harris; and her nephews, Herb Kirts, Tom Kirts, and Gerry Kirts.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette Kirts Stern (Donald) and Susan Kirts McWhorter; her granddaughter, Carole McWhorter Perry (Richard); her nieces, Chris Selick Eaglesfield and Diane Kirts; her nephew, Danny Kirts (Nancy); and her grand-nephew, B.J. Eaglesfield (Kristen).

A graveside service for Anna will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday May 6, 2025, at Rice Cemetery.  Rev. David Schrader, from Faith United Methodist Church will preside.  Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with her care.

Memorial contributions may be given to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.