Kimberly Ann Wirtz's Obituary
IN LOVING MEMORY OF KIMBERLY ANN WIRTZ…. A LIFE WELL LIVED
March 7, 1972 – April 21,2026
Kimberly Ann Wirtz, whose radiant spirit touched the lives of everyone she met, was born on March 7, 1972 in El Paso, Texas. Kimberly lost her battle with cancer and was called home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2026.
Kimberly was the second of three children born to James Wirtz and Natalie Wirtz Dickson. Being the typical middle child, Kimberly was independent, easygoing, adaptable, and a great team player with great social skills, which made it easy for her to establish loyal, long lasting friendships. Most people in Kimberly’s close friend circle have been friends with her for over 20 years.
Kimberly was a true sweetheart with a bubbly personality that drew people to her. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh that could light up any room. She was a friend to everyone she met. Whether you knew her for years or just a moment, she made you feel seen, valued, and loved as she brought joy, warmth, and laughter to all she encountered. She was a wonderful person, who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need.
Everyone who really got to know Kimberly knew how much she loved the show “Friends.” There was no bigger fan than Kimberly. In fact, she watched the entire series from beginning to end several times a year. She even shared with some that she would start her day by watching an episode in the morning so that she could have a good laugh before work. Her home was filled with souvenirs and merch from the show, and her friends would gift her with clothes and other collectibles from the show, which filled her heart with joy.
Another passion of Kimberly’s was the Dallas Cowboys. She was a huge Cowboys fan! Kimberly reserved her Sundays or Monday nights to watch the Cowboys whenever they were playing. She would put on a Cowboy jersey or T-shirt and cheer for her beloved “Boys,” usually from the comfort of her couch. She never gave up on them. We know she will be looking down on the Boys and yelling at them to win. Based on the last few seasons, they will need the help.
Another cute fact about Kimberly is that she was a true girly girl who took great pride in her appearance. Kimberly was so particular about her looks that she would get up extra early and iron her clothes every day…. every piece, every day. Some of her friends even accused her of actually ironing her under garments, to which Kimberly would laugh and tilt her head and raise her eyebrows like she was about to confess, but she never did.
Kimberly also loved handbags and shoes. That was her thing! In fact, she could have opened her own boutique with all the handbags, clothes, and shoes that she had accumulated throughout the years. At last count, she had around 300 pairs of shoes because if she found some she liked, she bought several pairs in all the colors sold. She kept her shoes organized and in the original boxes so they would remain in pristine condition, as she was the neatest and best organized person in the world.
Equally remarkable was Kimberly’s generosity. Her generosity was not just an occasional act, but a guiding principle that shaped everything she did. She consistently put the needs of others before her own, sharing her time, resources, and kindness with anyone who needed it, and even those who didn’t deserve it, but that’s the generous heart she had. Whether it was organizing potluck lunches for coworkers and sharing her famous queso, giving thoughtful gifts to friends and family, or simply offering a listening ear, Kimberly’s kindness and selflessness left a lasting impact. Her giving spirit was matched only by her warmth and compassion, making everyone around her feel valued and loved. Kimberly’s actions and the way she lived her life reflected the very best virtues - compassion, selflessness, and integrity.
Her dedication and loyalty were also evident in her professional life, where she devoted over 20 years to the same law firm as an administrative assistant. Kimberly’s dedication and hard work earned her the admiration and respect of her close colleagues who became her family. She would often go in to work early or stay late, without reporting her time, because she wanted to make certain that the attorneys she supported were covered and had what they needed to have a productive day. She wasn’t doing it for recognition or extra money. She did it because she truly cared about the work she was doing and about her team. And Kimberly never complained and was always had a positive attitude, even when faced with unwarranted and undeserved adversity. That was Kimberly’s character. Her work ethic and positive attitude were unmatched.
But above all, Kimberly was a proud and loving mother to her amazing son, Ira, who was the light of her life. Her love for him was boundless, and her greatest joy came from watching him grow into the remarkable, outstanding young man that he is today. His faith in God and sweet, loving heart encouraged Kimberly and inspired her to never give up. Ira, who lives in El Paso, came to be by Kimberly’s side as often as he could, and he called her every day. His support and presence gave Kimberly so much joy and hope. His visits gave her the inner strength to keep fighting. His strong faith and close relationship with God led Kimberly to develop a deeper relationship with God.
Kimberly was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in May of 2020, at which time she had to immediately undergo a major surgery and begin chemotherapy. The diagnosis was shocking and devastating for Kimberly and her family, but Kimberly had a strong, loving, big sister, Justina, who stepped in immediately and became Kimberly’s care giver and source of strength and encouragement. Justina selflessly rearranged her whole life so she could take care of her sister. Justina helped minimize the stress in Kimberly’s life so Kimberly could heal from her physical traumas and mentally prepare for the fight she had to face. Kimberly often expressed her profound gratitude for Justina and wanted to make certain that Justina knew how much Kimberly loved and appreciated everything Justina did and the love and support she gave.
After receiving her diagnosis and undergoing that first surgery, Kimberly felt like the ground beneath her had shifted in a way that would never be stable again – like everything familiar was replaced with uncertainty. Suddenly, she had a constant awareness of time and wondered how much time she would have. The physical pain of recovering from surgery and going through chemo treatments left her grappling with questions about the quality of the remainder of her life and whether she had the stamina to fight for a few more years. But when our faith is tested, God sends help and Kimberly believes that God showed up for her through her extraordinary friends Michelle, Megan, and Macie Hernandez. They were her “mother, mother and daughter trio.” When they found out about Kimberly’s diagnosis, they immediately showed up and began to pray for Kimberly. They prayed hard and spoke life into her. They brought her food to strengthen her body and brought their prayers to strengthen her spirit. They got her through some very tough times and gave her hope.
Kimberly eventually let her other friends know what she was dealing with and everyone reached out to help in some way. Some brought or sent her food or took her out to eat. Others took her to and from her chemo appointments, and some arranged Uber rides to transport her to and from her appointments. And when Kimberly was feeling up to it, some friends would visit. Once she let people in, Kimberly had great support.
Her faith was not just a comfort to herself, but an inspiration to those around her. She became a faithful servant, loving the Lord with all her heart and believing that He would do what was best for her and her family. Kimberly’s faith gave her peace and the bravery to face whatever God’s plan was for her, and her spiritual journey touched everyone who witnessed it.
Kimberly and her family greatly appreciated every kind expression of compassion and support, and with each outpouring of love, Kimberly’s faith grew which helped sustain her throughout her battle with the “C” as she called it. Even in the most difficult moments after undergoing several more surgeries and several rounds of painful chemo treatments for years, she remained steadfast, trusting that God would guide her through every challenge.
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. Kimberly’s life was a testament to this scripture, as she faced every trial with unwavering faith and a loving heart.
She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on in the laughter she shared, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely. Kimberly was a beautiful soul we were all so blessed to know.
Kimberly is survived by her loving and ever-faithful son, Ira J. Rodarte, her father, James E. Wirtz; her mother, Natalia Wirtz Dickson; her loving sister Justina Wirtz Ramirez; and her younger brother James Wirtz, Jr. She also leaves behind her cherished nephews: Dustin Wirtz, Diego Ramirez, Dante Ramirez, David Ramirez, Jared Wirtz, and Dominic Wirtz, and her special angels on earth – her friends Danette and Darrel Mosley, who loved Kimberly like a sister from the day they met her, and gave their unwavering support for Kimberly throughout her battle with cancer and took Kimberly into their home for the better part of a year and cared for her when it became too difficult for Kimberly to fight on her own. No one could ask for better friends.
The family is extremely and forever grateful for all of the love and support the Mosleys and all of Kimberly’s close friends provided. The family is also appreciative of everyone who uplifted her, encouraged her, prayed for her and with her, and showered her with love and support any way they could. All of us were deeply touched by Kimberly’s zest for life, her kindness, generosity, love, and unwavering faith. Her legacy lives on in our hearts, and her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us all until we meet again in Heaven.
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