Iona Fern Kirchner

Iona Fern Tambke Kirchner, 83, of Russellville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at her home surrounded by her five children and family.

She was born April 15, 1942 in Russellville, Missouri, the daughter of Herbert Arnold and Eunice Corrine (Scrivner) Tambke.  She attended Russellville School. Fern was united in marriage on October 15, 1960 to her soul mate at Russellville United Methodist Church to Ray Vance Kirchner.  Fern’s primary goal in life was to be a devoted and loving wife and mother.  Fern was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a lifelong member of the Russellville United Church.

Fern worked her early years at Capital Reserve Life Insurance. She also owned a local grocery store in Russellville with her husband. Fern worked many part time jobs including House of Bargains and RGIS. Fern also worked decades for the State of Missouri under the Office of Administration for Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult Institutions and retiring at Probation and Parole after 20 years of service. Fern along with her husband of 63 years had a brood of children that extended to almost all children in the Russellville Community. Her home was always open with a revolving door. Our Mother had a heart of gold full of so much love, compassion and giving. There is not a person that has not sought her for comfort. Her love had no boundaries. It was not an uncommon occurrence in our household for Sunday trips after church to visit nursing homes and others who may need love and comfort. Fern spent time providing music at many events in the community including horse shows. Fern was also one of many to break ground on the Russellville Community Pool.

Fern’s life was turned upside down by many obstacles in life but her hardest was in 1990 when her husband was injured physically for life. At that moment her life was to be by his side through the end. Our Mom made sure she did all in her power with God’s guidance and support from a tight family and community to keep our daddy alive for 33 years.  Our Mom was born with music in her soul. When she was 13 when her Uncle DW asked her to play the piano at church and that is where she served God until her last service on December 24, 2025. Fern’s greatest love was her husband and children followed by her strength and heart through grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even in days of slow moving, she and Ray never missed much that involved them whether from a lawn chair in the basketball/volleyball gym or from the van at a baseball field. Their presence was known and loved.

Survivors include her children, Allen Vance Kirchner, Jefferson City, Lori Ann Kirchner (Nita), Russellville, Lana Kay Kirchner, Russellville, Jason Ray Kirchner (Jana), California and Jennifer Rae Kirchner, Jefferson City, thirteen grandchildren, Ashley (Wayne), AJ (Kayla), Lucas (Rachel), Lydia, Chelsea (Adam), Kyrsten (Dinnin), Dalton, Connor, Isaac (Mady), Ethan (Sammantha), Shaelin (Cole), Reilly, Masen; five great grandchildren, Anabelle, Jay, Sawyer, Rhett, Vance, Zoe, sister, Janice Kay Phillips, New Bloomfield, brother, Greg Tambke (Jenenne) Holts Summit, sister-in-law, Norma Tambke, Arizona and sister-in-law, Shirley Bernskoetter, Wardsville along with many cousins, family and friends.  Fern was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray, brother, James (Jim) Tambke, brothers-in-law, Harley Kirchner, Marvin Bernskoetter and Frank Phillips, two nephews, Doug Tambke and Jeff Phillips and her dear friend, Judy Cliburn.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Russellville United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 4 pm with Pastor Karen Jones and Reverend John Kerr officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Enloe Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Russellville United Methodist Church.