Arlean Jean Zietz Kirby, age 87, of Woods Drive, Granite Falls, passed away Thursday, January 08, 2026, at Shaire Center in Lenoir. She was born in Bottineau County, North Dakota on December 20, 1938, to the late Charles Herman Zietz and Flossie Harris Zietz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Ray Kirby and a brother, Charles Zietz.

She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, retired from the Bank of Granite and was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association.

Survivors include her daughters, Tammy Kirby Nelson and husband, Mark of Hudson and Janelle Kirby Elder and husband, Roger of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Jordan Nelson and wife, Meghan and Lindsey Graham and husband, Braxton; three great grandchildren, Gracelyn, Molly, Branton; three sisters, Ellen Zietz Jevne, and Alris Zietz Handeland both of Wyoming, and Karen Zietz Bloom of Arizona; and best friend, Sylvia Torrence.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:00PM at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Lonnie Bell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM until 2:00PM one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir.

Bass-Smith Granite Funeral Service is serving the family.