Irene Lyons, 90

Irene Lyons, 90, “went home to be with her beloved husband William “Bill” on Dec. 9, 2012. She was met by her Lord and Savior.”

At the time of her death, as in life, she was surrounded by her devoted family. One of her recent desires was to celebrate her 90th birthday embraced by her children.

Her deep faith in the Lord was unwavering. She was an example and guided her family in their spiritual lives as well. Her day started with reading her Bible and devotions. She loved listening to gospel and Celtic music. She loved Montana and this was the impetus for her favorite Scriptures: “I lift up my eyes to the hills...my help comes from the Lord” — Psalms 121.

Irene’s family was foremost in her life. She unselfishly put the needs of others first.  

She gloried in our accomplishments and comforted us with loss. She lovingly cared for Bill during his extended illness. She lived her life enjoying hobbies that also involved the family life needs. Her hands and her mind were never idle. She was a wicked opponent with word games. She loved cooking and baking cookies — the aroma of cookies still lingers. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and gardening.

 Outdoor activities were also among her interests — camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and huckleberry picking. She enjoyed anything that would get her and the family outside. However, she could definitely be a stubborn German.

Irene was active in the Nazarene church, immensely enjoying her Bible studies. She had also been active in Girl Scouts, the Moose Club, Lions Club and the North Valley Hospital Guild.  

She was born in Anson, Wis., on May 12, 1922. After graduating from high school in 1940, she married the love of her life, William Lyons, in 1943. The first of six children was born in 1945. The family moved to Kalispell from Wisconsin in 1960. In 1970, the Lyons family moved to Whitefish, which was her home.    

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; as well as her brothers, Dennis and Neil Roder.

She is survived by her children, Jeannie Jenson and Jerry of Georgetown Lake, David Lyons and Vicki of Eureka, Joe Lyons and Linda of Kenai, Alaska, Karen Horak and Frank of Seeley Lake, Chris McGuire and Chuck of Butte, and Robin Kroeger and Chuck of Fresno, Calif. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Doris, and numerous family members in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  

Her gentle and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Memorials can be sent to Home Sweet Home Assisted Living in Eureka and the Nazarene Church in Whitefish.

A viewing will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 at Austin Funeral Home; and a funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Austin's with interment taking place at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Irene’s tribute wall.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.