Irene Abbey

Elsie Irene Abbey, the daughter of Henry and Louisa Winifred (Thompson) Kissler was born August 2, 1924 at the home place, north of Mt. Etna. Irene entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Accura Healthcare, Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of ninety-six years.

Irene graduated from Corning High School, Corning, Iowa with the Class of 1940. She took a year of post graduate classes and received her teaching certificate. Irene would teach until her marriage to Leland S. Abbey on December 30, 1948 at the Mt. Etna Methodist Church. Four children were born to bless this union: Mary, Janet, Richard, and Barbara.

Irene was a hard worker and a farmer alongside her husband. The family moved several times finally settling in 1968 on the home place, north of Mt. Etna, where Irene was born. This farm would be recognized as a Century Farm in 1976. Irene always raised huge gardens and did much canning. She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her homemade noodles.

Irene was a strong woman of faith. She was very involved with the United Methodist Church in Mt. Etna and later in Carl. She participated in all church activities, including serving as a pianist, soloist, Bible school worker, and many additional jobs. Irene helped her children with their 4-H projects. She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, latch hook, and sequined calendars. Irene loved all animals especially birds, squirrels and cats.

Irene’s family was so very important to her and she dearly loved time spent with them. This included playing board games with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish Irene’s memory are her children: Mary (Stephen) Fisher, Red Oak, Iowa; Janet Ross, Farragut, Iowa; Richard (Karen) Abbey, Harrodsburg, Kentucky; Barbara Abbey, Centennial, Colorado; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Preceding Irene in death were her husband Leland in 1996; parents; brother and sister-in-law: Hubert and Milree Kissler; grandson, Justin Abbey.