December 21, 1925 - October 24, 2017
Kirk Polking, born Dorothy Ann Polking was born on December 21, 1925 in Covington, KY, residing for most of her life in the Covington/Cincinnati area. She moved to her niece Suzanne’s home in Smyrna, TN in May of 2017 due to failing health, where she died on Tuesday, October 24th, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. She also leaves two nephews, Dennis and Gerry.
Visitation will be at St. Anthony Church, 485 Grand Avenue, Taylor Mill, KY 41015 from 10 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Monday, October 30, 2017 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Burial will then be at Mother of God Cemetery, 3125 Madison Avenue, Fort Wright, KY 41015.
During her long life Kirk was curious and as a writer some areas of interest turned into articles or books. She worked for Rosenthal/FW Publications for many years, left to freelance, and was asked to come back, which she did, She maintained lifelong friendships with many colleagues, and several attended her 90th birthday party.
Professionally she wore many hats: author, editor, educator, instructor and personal advisor. Kirk enjoyed mentoring anyone aspiring to be a writer, her own area, mostly in non-fiction. She wrote about oceans, how to be a writer and get published, how to do your own family history, legal info for writers and much more.
She became interested in becoming a pilot and took private lessons. When she couldn’t find any publications to help the student, she wrote a book, The Private Pilot’s Handbook and Dictionary, which has gone through several revisions and printings.
When she started writing in the late 40’s and 50’s, books or columns on masculine pursuits such as fishing, electronics, science… etc. were to be written by men. So Ms. Dorothy became Mr. Kirk and to the end of her days was still recieving mail addressed to Mr. Kirk Polking! Prejudice was strong but she led the way into getting women authors acknowledged as legitimate writers.
During her career, Kirk interviewed regular folks as well as some famous ones, such as Charles Shultz (Peanuts), Daniel Keys (Hazel), Ann Landers (Advice Columnist) and Hugh Heffner (Playboy). She was modest about meeting these folks but her family was impressed!
Throughout her life Kirk was polite, gracious and considerate of others, and faithful and strong in her Catholic faith. She belonged to many organizations and recieved many awards and commendations. She actively and financially supported her friend Glora Ackerman from the beginning in the developement of the World Piano Organization for over 50 years. The arts, especially music, were important to her. Kirk was an active Member of the Board for WPC for several decades.
Kirk was beloved by those she came into contact with, colleagues, friends and acquaintances. The world will be a less kind place without her.
Memorials are suggested to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 476 Riddle Road, Cicnnati, OH 45220.
Condolences
I am sorry I missed the service. I always admired Kirk and her strong will, she helped anybody that needed something she took care of her sister for years, She is a positive influence on anybody that comes in contact with her.
Jerry Schrage
I worked with Kirk from about 1975 to 1980 at F&W Publications. I last talked with her in about the mid 80s and often wondered where her adventures continued to foster. I remember Kirk for always being available to talk, and to offer her assistance. She was always very kind to me and I appreciated that.
Kirk was one of the most admirable people I was lucky enough to know. Somehow we met through book circles, and Kirk invited me to speak at her book club and various other places. She was a fan of a novel I published, and later helpful in placing a memoir–just because she loved writing and helping other writers. She was a frequent lunch partner, and we talked over our work and ambitions. Her life was totally remarkable.
Kirk was a wonderful, bright, giving friend, both personally and professionally. An inspiration, she was one of a kind. A bright light has left us…and how we’ll miss her.
y late wife Marian Knight and I enjoyed knowing Kirk. Fond memories.She was an outstanding person.