Mary Helen Kirk Harden, 90 of South Charleston, quietly passed away at Hubbard Hospice house on June 26, 2022.

She was born December 28, 1931 in Covington, Virginia to Frances Mae Lovern Kirk and Leonard Adna Kirk.

In 1935, the Kirk Family moved to West Virginia where Mary graduated from South Charleston High School in 1949. She married the love of her life, Robert Neil Harden, on August 24, 1950. Together Mary and Bob raised three successful children, Stephen Neil, Robert N. II and Cynthia Ann.

She was employed by the State of West Virginia in many capacities. Mary worked in the Secretary of State's Office for several years before moving to Finance & Administration. She was appointed Director of the West Virginia State Building Commission during the planning and construction for the State Cultural Center before transitioning to the Governor's Office as Comptroller, serving under both John D. Rockefeller IV and Arch A. Moore, Jr. before retiring from government service.

Mary was a caregiver to many and a friend to all. She delighted in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; by fifteen days. Bob and Mary would have celebrated seventy-two years of marriage on August 24th of this year. We have confidence they are celebrating together in their eternal home. Mary was also preceded in death by her son, Stephen Neil; sisters, Janice Marsh, Doris Hall and Carol Brandli; and brothers, Robert Kirk and Leonard (Junior) Kirk.

Mary is survived by her son, Robert II (Debbie); daughter, Cynthia Carson; six grandchildren, Jared Holley (Angie), Robert III, (Erika) Melissa Velasco, (Derek), Nicholas Harden, Anthony Carson, and Hannah Carson; and eight great-grandchildren.

A joint memorial service to celebrate the lives of Mary and Bob Harden, will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 26, at the First Baptist Church, South Charleston with Pastor Jody Pistore officiating. Inurnment will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, with Military Honors.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.