Our Beloved Mother, Anneliese Kirk, age 90, went to be with our Lord and Saviour, on 2-14-26 after a 15-year battle with liver disease. She was surrounded by her loving family in her home in Newport News, Va. Anneliese was of German descent, born in 1935, to Maria and Karl Knecht in Schwabisch Hall. She came to the United State
s after meeting the Love of her Life, Harold, whom she married and later moved to the US. Anneliese being very determined, learned English all on her own listening to others and being taught by her oldest son. Aside from having her children, her greatest accomplishment was becoming a US Citizen. A very remarkable woman who was dedicated to her family. Her greatest joys were raising her children and supporting her spouse and also enjoying her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Anneliese lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Whether through a kind word to a neighbor, a thoughtful phone call, or a seat at her table. She made others feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on, not only in the generations that follow her, but in the countless lives she touched with her warmth and generosity. As a mother, she was steady and strong-the foundation her children stood on. She taught by example: how to work hard, how to forgive quickly, how to find humor in hard times, and how to show up for the people you love. Each of her 7 children carries forward a piece of her spirit, her values, and her strength. Her many grandchildren were her pride and delight. She celebrated every milestone, cheered at every achievement, and never missed a chance to offer encouragement or a sweet treat. To them, she was more than a grandmother. She was a storyteller, a safe place, and a living reminder of unconditional love.

Even though she has left this world, her love continues in every hug shared by her children, every tradition carried on, and every story told in her honor. Her life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. She is survived by her children Harold "Dean" Kirk of Momence Illinois, Patricia "Trish" Happel of Newport News, Va, Mary Carroll(Ken) of Momence Illinois, Carol Holz of Bristol, TN, Pam Lengyel (Jon Micheal) of Newport News, Va, Christopher "Chris" Kirk of Newport News, Va and 13 grandchildren,17 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Kirk Sr., Son Ronald "Ron" Kirk, grandsons Jordan Holz, Aaron Kirk, Jerry Carroll, Jeremiah Kirk, and great-great grandson Jace.

Services for Anneliese will be as follows: Family will receive guests on 2-19-26 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home from 6pm to 7pm for a viewing at 210 Harpersville Road Newport News, Va 23601. Funeral service will be held on 2-20-26 at World Outreach Worship Center on 1233 Shields Road Newport News, Va 23602 starting at 11 am. Guests are encouraged to wear Anneliese's favorite color of purple or purple accent, any shade. Burial will be held at a later date at Albert G. Horton cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Outreach Worship Center in her name.