Evelyn Frances Powell Kirts

Evelyn Frances Powell Kirts, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2026, in her home in Smithfield, VA with her beloved husband by her side, following a long illness due to surgical complications.

Evelyn lived her entire life in the state of Virginia. She was born in 1941 in Ridgeway, Virginia and graduated from Drewry Mason High School there. Evelyn obtained her Bachelors of Science in Education from Radford - Women’s Division of Virginia Tech and her Masters of Library Science from NC State University. Evelyn was a Librarian and Home Economics teacher in the Patrick County Public Schools and retired after 35 years as a Librarian from Newport News Public Schools.

Evelyn was a world traveler, having visited Europe, Scandinavia, Mexico and the Caribbean. She and Gary loved exploring the US in their RV. They stayed overnight in 47 of the 50 US states and every Canadian Province. Evelyn and Gary also visited every lighthouse on the East Coast. They shared their love of travel by inviting other RV owners to form convoys with them and inviting guests to ride along in their RV. Christmas was Evelyn’s favorite season. She loved decorating her home and collecting all things Santa Claus, including tree toppers, ornaments, figurines, décor and clothing.

Evelyn was known for appearing in the community as Mrs. Claus alongside her husband as Mr. Claus, for the seasonal decorations on her cane and walker, and for wearing hats every Sunday to services at Trinity United Methodist Church. Evelyn was accomplished in fabric arts, including knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and sewing. Evelyn and Gary often appeared wearing matching vests that she had made. Evelyn was an accomplished musician, acting as choir director and playing both piano and organ at her home church in Ararat, Virginia. Evelyn played piano occasionally for the early service in the Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church years ago. Evelyn was also an artist and shared her love of painting with young children as part of their library lessons.

Evelyn and Gary married in 1992, a first marriage for both of them. Each was fond of saying that they waited to marry until they found the right person. Evelyn loved animals and had several family pets throughout her life. All of the pets she shared with Gary traveled in the RV with them. Although Evelyn and Gary did not have children, they considered their students as part of their extended family and remained in touch with many of them after graduation. Evelyn and Gary were active in Trinity United Methodist Church, where Gary was baptized after their marriage. Evelyn and Gary participated in Trunk or Treat, the Wednesday Night Dinners, and the MAF Sunday School Class. Evelyn was a member of the Susannah Wesley Women’s Circle as well. Evelyn and Gary loved spending time at “The Farm,” their 85-acre wooded property in Iron Gate, Va, that has been in Gary’s family for four, going on five, generations. The Farm is such a popular visiting destination that Evelyn and Gary had to keep a guest book! Evelyn and Gary’s farm serves as a hands-on teaching lab for the Mountain Gateway Community College Forestry Program. They were co-founders of the Waddill-Kirts Forestry Scholarship there.

Evelyn and Gary were active in the Power Squadron (Safe Boating) Association District 5. Evelyn hosted many official Power Squadron dinners, galas and receptions. Her responsibilities including picking the menu, cooking the food, decorating the venue, arranging the flowers, and acting as Hostess. Evelyn was known for her elegant attire, regal posture, love of dancing and beautiful food presentation. Evelyn had to learn how to tolerate being on a boat. At first, she was quite seasick, but Evelyn came to love all the activities associated with boating and the Power Squadron.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents: John Broadus and Lily Dale Adkins Powell; her father and mother-in-law: Keller and Florine Kirts; and her brother- and sister-in-law: Keller Dale and Phyllis Kirts. Evelyn will be sorely missed by the love of her life and husband, Gary K. Kirts; her sister: Dale E. Powell McCrickard; her sisters- and brother-in-law: Dr. Carla A. Kirts, Tina M. and Herbert Connor, and Rita K. Milby; her nephews: Alan and Austin Milby; her niece: Catherine Connor; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and neighbors, friends and church family.

Gary would like to express his appreciation for the support and assistance he received from his neighbors and church family during Evelyn’s illness over the past 6 months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, January 17th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar St, Smithfield, VA, 23430. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Trinity United Methodist Church music program. https://www.mytrinity.org/ or Waddill-Kirts Forestry Scholarship at Mountain Gateway Community College https://www.mgcc.edu/.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com