Robert Kirts, 80

Robert L. “Bob” Kirts, 80 died Aug. 23, 2023, in St. Maries, Idaho.

Bob was born Dec. 6, 1942, in Brown County, Ind., the second of four children born to Toby and Mary Kirts. He was a mischievous child growing up in rural Indiana but inherited a strong work ethic. As a teenager, he spent a memorable year living with his widowed grandmother. He learned cooking and cleaning skills and compassion for the elderly.

Bob joined the Marine Corps after high school. He spent two years in the Pacific before returning to the States for the remaining three years. During that time, he married Sharon Brand in 1964. The couple stayed married 28 years with son Robert Jr. arriving in 1965 and daughter Christina in 1969. The physical and mental training received in the Marine Corps stayed with Bob throughout his life.

Bob’s law enforcement career started in Indiana. However, he had a dream that he would be working as a sheriff in Idaho. After finding Idaho on a map, he and his family eventually moved to Benewah County in 1974. His 35-year law enforcement career included many years with the Idaho State Patrol and two eight-year stints as Benewah County sheriff (1980-1988 and 2004-2012). During his many years living in the Flat Creek area, he built the family home, rode motorcycles, flew his own plane, and did stone and brickwork on numerous homes in the area. He was active in the St. Maries Masonic Lodge and remained loyal to a long list of co-workers and friends. Starting in 2017, he shared his home, dreams, smile, an endless supply of jokes and secret peanut brittle recipe with his companion, Mary Huskey.

At Bob’s request, there will be no local services. His ashes will be scattered in the future at the family gravesite in Nashville, Ind. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Donald (Phyllis). He is survived by his son, Robert Jr., daughter Christina Cady, granddaughter Cameron Cady, brother Marcus (NancyAnn) and sister Nancy Hall (Carl).

The family suggests memorials to either SPAN of Benewah Co., c/o Boni Schueller, The Veterans Outreach Center c/o Hank Thornton, or Shriners Hospital for Children, Spokane Unit. Please visit his online tribute at hodgefuneralhome.com.