I have fought a good fight I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Caryl “June” Kirk-Liston, 89, of Liberty Township, Adams County, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ; June lived a life marked by grace, purpose and unwavering love for those around her.
Born on June 20, 1936, in Liberty Township to Floyd and Nellie (Washburn) Kirk. June was raised with strong values and a Christian faith that would guide her throughout her life.
She married the love of her life, Ray Liston, on March 28, 1959, and for 66 years together; they built a beautiful life rooted in faith and family on the land they farmed side-by-side. She always made sure that no farmhand ever left hungry. She also made and delivered homemade snacks to dad’s “pit crew” hanging out in the shop. She was also known to make late night egg sandwiches after a long night of tractor pulling.
June embraced her role as a homemaker with dedication and heart. She lovingly raised her children: Danny Ray, Tresa Lynn, Terry Joe, Ruth Ann, and Jenny Lou, and imparted on each one a piece of her love for baking, music, gardening, nature, and sports. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and those she loved. Picnics and cookouts in the backyard were a regular occurrence, as well as family softball games, horseshoes, and fishing. She also made sure her family was fed homecooked meals every day and was overfed on special holidays. She may have been known for being unkind one time in her life to a mouse who tried to ruin her Thanksgiving turkey!
She was active in her community for most her life until she was physically unable to do so. Throughout the years she served her church as a Children’s Sunday School teacher, VBS helper, and pianist. She enjoyed singing in church as well; “I Am Blessed” being a constant favorite. She shared her talent with her autoharp on occasion as well. She also served many years as a 4-H advisor; encouraging the next generation with patience, wisdom, and kindness. Her gentle guidance touched countless lives beyond her own family.
June’s deep Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a long-standing member of Fairview Community Church as well as a faithful attendee at Quinn Chapel as long as her health permitted in later years. Her Bible was well-worn, her prayers constant, and her heart always open. She enjoyed her Bluegrass gospel music until the very end and was a source of great comfort to her. Those who knew June will remember her for her warm spirit, her beautiful smile, and the quiet way she lived her faith each day. She will also be remembered as being a true prayer warrior. Only Heaven knows what an eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family, her friends and the community around her.
June was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Nellie Kirk; her brothers, George and Harlan Kirk; her sister, Anna Ruth Barr; and an infant daughter, Karen Sue.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Liston of Liberty Township; her loving children Danny and Tina Liston of Blue Creek, Tresa Liston of Liberty Township, Terry Liston of West Union, Ruth Ann and Tim Gelter and Jenny and Jason Baldwin of Liberty Township.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: TJ Liston, Joey and Frankie McGraw, Kristi and Brandon Rockey, Ashlee and Chris Moore, Jaycee and Zach Kirker and Jaxon Baldwin; and great-grandchildren: Lita McGraw, Zander Rockey, Jovee Moore, & Kasen Moore.
His Lord said unto Him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21
The family would like to sincerely thank Darlene Myers, a true saint; the Hospice of Hope Nurses for their loving care, Scotty and Sabrina Osman for their obedience in their calling and being there when we needed them the most, Billy Newton, Tina Baker and Pat Hogge and the Gospel Lighthouse Church, Quinn Chapel, and others who provided food, prayers, and comforting words.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m. at The Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services were held at the funeral home, on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Billy Newton and Scott Osman officiating. Burial followed in the Kirker Cemetery.
Services were entrusted to the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home.
You may leave your condolences and memories of Mrs. Liston at www.meekerfuneralhomes.com.
