Mary Elizabeth Kirby “Cheech”, 74, entered into rest on April 12, 2014, surrounded by her family in Manteca. She was born on January 14, 1940, to Thomas and Mary Clark in Oakland California.  In heaven Mary joins her parents, as well as her daughter Gwendolyn Ferguson and brothers Jerold and Michael D. Clark.
She leaves behind the love of her life and best friend, husband Charles R. Kirby of Manteca. Her children are, Paul Kirby (Gina) of Manteca and Yvonne Tucker of ID. Mary has two surviving siblings Thomas Clark of Newark and Martin Clark of Hayward. She was blessed with six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
   Mary lovingly known as Cheech, was a Manteca resident. She grew up in Hayward where her parents owned and operated Hayward Mattress and Upholstery for over 35 years. Cheech learned to play the piano at the age of nine, which would become one of her greatest passions. She played piano for multiple churches, and even went on to become a piano teacher. Over the years she took several courses in college including music and theory, always looking for new and innovative ways of bettering her knowledge for music. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially for friends, extended family, her husband Chuck, children and grandchildren.  She loved the tranquility of the outdoors as she would often travel to her getaway home in the mountains. She followed her husband and his enthusiasm for airplanes anywhere. She loved her family dearly and always welcomes them with her warm smile. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mary will be missed forever.
   P.L. Fry is honored to serve the Kirby family. A grave side service will be held in her honor on Friday, April 18, 2014, at Lone Tree Cemetery, 24591 Fairview Ave., Hayward, CA 94542, at 12 p.m. For condolences to the family please visit our website at www.plfryandson.com search obituaries

Manteca (Calif) Bulletin
Wednesday, April 16, 2014