Irene Williams

Irene Williams, age 88, of Paola, Kansas passed away March 16, 2015 at Golden Living Center in Spring Hill, Kansas. She loved to dance. Irene was born to Leo and Cecelia Theno Gallagher on December 4 1926 in Paola, Kansas, the ninth of ten children. She grew up on a farm northwest of Paola and lived within 5 miles of Paola her whole life. She graduated from Ursuline Academy. In 1947, she married Ivan "Buddy" Williams and they had 60 years together, raising their four children on a farm southwest of Paola. She loved to dance. She was a homemaker who loved to spend time with family and friends. She was a good cook and won prizes at the local fair for food entries and was always making pies and food for dinners at church. Irene also loved to garden, especially the tomatoes that she and Buddy grew, which often grew over 10" tall. Later in life she worked for King Radio for 10 years before she and Buddy retired. Irene was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. And did we mention"She loved to dance. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 26, 2007. She is survived by her children Rita Hughes (Aaron) of Paola, KS, Sue Duethman (Charlie) of Stilwell, KS, Steve Williams (Ruth) of Independence, KS and Mark Williams (Cindy) of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Terri Vaught, Kelly Talcott, Robert Norton, Denys O"Neal, David Duethman, Adam Duethman, Mark Williams, Jr., and Jeffrey Williams; great grandchildren Tyler & Mason Talcott, Chase, Will & Mia Norton, Aidan, Marin, & Finn O'Neal, Charlie & Abbie Duethman, and Emery Duethman and brother John Gallagher. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. To share a memory of Irene or to leave a condolence message for her family, please click the share memories tab. Holy Trinity Catholic Church Service: Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM