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. 

Fern was born on April 15, 1942, in Russellville, Missouri, the daughter of Herbert Arnold and Eunice Corrine (Scrivner) Tambke. She attended Russellville School and remained deeply rooted in the community throughout her life.

On October 15, 1960, Fern was united in marriage to her soulmate, Ray Vance Kirchner, at Russellville United Methodist Church.

Fern’s primary goal in life was to be a devoted and loving wife and mother.  She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a lifelong member of the Russellville United Methodist Church.  Fern worked in her early years at Capital Reserve Life Insurance. She and her husband also owned and operated a local grocery store in Russellville. Over the years, Fern held several part-time positions, including House of Bargains and RGIS. She devoted decades of service to the State of Missouri under the Office of Administration, working within Elementary and Secondary Education and Adult Institutions, before retiring from Probation and Parole after 20 years of service.

Together, Fern and her husband of 63 years raised not only their own children, but lovingly extended their hearts to nearly every child in the Russellville community. Their home was always open, with a constant revolving door. Fern had a heart of gold, overflowing with love, compassion, and generosity. There was scarcely a person who did not seek her comfort at some point. Her love knew no boundaries.  Sunday afternoons often included trips after church to visit nursing homes and others in need of companionship and care.

Fern shared her gift of music generously, providing music at many community events, including horse shows. She was also among those who helped break ground for the Russellville Community Pool.

Fern faced many obstacles throughout her life, but none greater than in 1990, when her husband was permanently injured. From that moment on, her life’s mission became caring for him. With God’s guidance, along with the support of a close-knit family and community, Fern remained faithfully by Ray’s side, doing everything in her power to keep him alive and cared for over the next 33 years.

Music was woven into Fern’s soul. At the age of 13, she was asked by her Uncle DW to play the piano at church, marking the beginning of a lifetime of service through music. She continued playing for the church until her final service on December 24, 2025.

Fern’s greatest love was her husband and children, followed closely by the joy and pride she found in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in her later years, she and Ray rarely missed an event involving them—whether watching from a lawn chair in a basketball or volleyball gym or from the van at a baseball field.  Their presence was always felt and deeply cherished.

Fern is survived by her children: Allen Vance Kirchner of Jefferson City; Lori Ann Kirchner (Nita) of Russellville; Lana Kay Kirchner of Russellville; Jason Ray Kirchner (Jana) of California; and Jennifer Rae Kirchner of Jefferson City. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Ashley (Wayne), AJ (Kayla), Lucas (Rachel), Lydia, Chelsea (Adam), Kyrsten (Dinnin), Dalton, Connor, Isaac (Mady), Ethan (Sammantha), Shaelin (Cole), Reilly, and Masen; and seven great-grandchildren: Anabelle, Jay, Sawyer, Rhett, Vance, Zoe.

Additional survivors include her sister, Janice Kay Phillips of New Bloomfield; her brother, Greg Tambke (Jenenne) of Holts Summit; sisters-in-law Norma Tambke of Arizona and Shirley Bernskoetter of Wardsville; along with many cousins, family members, and friends.  Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray Kirchner; her brother, James (Jim) Tambke; and brothers-in-law Harley Kirchner, Marvin Bernskoetter, and Frank Philips 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.