Julia Anne Kirby Kidd

Julia Anne Kirby Kidd, age 83, passed away in Roswell, New Mexico on March 15, 2014 due to complications from congestive heart failure. Julia was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky on August 14, 1930 to Rachel Elvira Wood Kirby and Allen (“Allie”) Porter Kirby. She had one sibling, a younger sister named Martha. She and her family later moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she met her future husband, Donald Robert Kidd. They married in 1946. Three children were born to the couple: Linda, Debora and Donald Jr. Donald and Julia later divorced after 18 years of marriage. Julia loved being around people, and she excelled in public relations, sales and management during her career. She worked for several companies in the Phoenix area including The Phoenix Towers, Yellow Cab Company, Chino Valley Estates and Queen Creek Land and Cattle Company. In 1990, she moved to Roswell with her daughter, Debora. Recognizing some of the problems in Roswell, she ran for mayor in 1994 as a write-in candidate. Creating solutions for the local graffiti problem, she encouraged young people from the Job Corps to paint over the graffiti, using her own time and materials. Julia was an avid Master Gardener, and she enjoyed sharing her vast knowledge by giving her time to Sunset Elementary School children, teaching them how to grow their own vegetables. She continued to be very devoted to children and “Kidd Korner” was created in recognition of her efforts. Along with gardening, her true passions were genealogy, writing, reading, cooking, singing, dancing, entertaining and helping others. With honesty and an open heart, Julia was always willing to give without thought of any recognition or repayment. Preceding her in death were her father and mother, and sister, Martha Lou Kirby Kelley. She is survived by her children: Linda Anne Kidd Cracraft (Sean) of Victor, Idaho; Debora Ann Kidd Young (Bruce)of Roswell, New Mexico; and Donald Robert Kidd, Jr. of Mico, Texas; and grandchildren: Christopher Jack Cracraft of Victor, Idaho, and Daniel William Kidd (Sammy) of Corpus Christi, Texas. Thank you, Julia, for the large footprint you left in Roswell, New Mexico. Graveside services will be held at South Park Cemetery in Roswell on Wednesday, March 19 at 11am.

Julia Anne Kirby Kidd

August 14, 1930 - March 15, 2014