MCGREW, Irene

MCGREW, MELTON, MADDOCKS, THOMPSON, KNOP, HALL, FRANK, MOORE, TOWNE, RESH, GODFREY, MALCOM, WASHBURN, SELL, MAXWELL, VESTAL, KELLEY, TOWNE, BAKEHOUSE

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 12/31/2004 at 06:50:54

Malvern Leader
September 2, 2004

Irene McGrew, one of three children of Myrta (Melton) and Earl Maddocks, Sr., was born on October 28, 1925 on a farm near Silver City, Iowa. Irene attended the rural school of Pleasant Hill, the Silver City High School, and graduated second in the Glenwood High School Class of 1943. While in school, Irene was very active in the Loyal Lassies 4-H Club and became the first president of the Mills County Club 4-H Club. At the age of fourteen, Irene joined the Silver City Methodist Church on June 9, 1940.

After graduating from high school, Irene received “Normal Teacher Training” which allowed her to teach in the rural school of Mills County. She became a member of the Mills County Young People’s organization. In 1949, she completed two years of training at Iowa State Teacher’s College and continued her teaching career.

From 1953 to 1958, Irene worked at the Council Bluffs Savings Bank in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Irene and Everett Ralph McGrew of Henderson, Iowa were married at the Silver City United Methodist Church on March 2, 1958. They established a home on a farm near Henderson and their marriage was blessed with three sons, Roger Everett born on March 14, 1959, Ronald Deane born on June 14, 1961, and Ross Jack born on March 2, 1965. The family moved to their present home near Emerson, Iowa in 1973. They were active members of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where Irene served as treasurer for 29 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was a past president of the Nishna Valley Woman's Club and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

From 1983 to 1987, Irene volunteered at the Nishna Valley School. Among her enjoyments, she loved taking pictures and making albums and belonging to the Montgomery County Hospital Auxiliary where she enjoyed working as a volunteer in the hospital coffee shop. Irene was known for always remembering and sending cards to the sick.

Irene enthusiastically supported the Indian Creek Historical Museum and was instrumental in the project to move the Oaks School House to the Museum grounds where she displayed memorabilia and served as curator. She was always appreciative for the help provided by Bill Thompson, Glen Knop, Bill McGrew and others in completing the schoolhouse moving project. Irene’s family encourages everyone to visit the museum and schoolhouse display.

Irene and Everett had been married for 46 years when Irene died at their home on August 21, 2004 at the age of 78 years, nine months and 23 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister- in-law, Betty Maddocks; and nephew, Bruce Maddocks.

In addition to her husband Everett, Irene is survived by their sons, Roger McGrew and his wife Joya of Henderson, Iowa, Ronald McGrew and Ross McGrew of Emerson, Iowa; brothers, Earl Maddocks, Jr. of Glenwood, Iowa and Dean Maddocks ot Silver City, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held at the Wesley Chapel Church in Rural Hastings, Iowa on Tuesday, August 24, 2004. Family was present to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services were held at the Wesley Chapel Church on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Max Hall and Rev. Kristine Frank officiating.

Pallbearers were Robert Moore, Jerry Towne, Robert Resh, Richard Godfrey, Jack May and Robert Malcom.

Honorary flower attendants were Linda McGrew, Carolyn Washburn, Ruby Godfrey, Francena Sell, Carol Jean Maxwell, Nancy McGrew and Pat Vestal.

Registry attendants were Dorothy Kelley and Pam Towne. Ushers were Bill McGrew and Steve McGrew. Organist was Nancy Bakehouse and soloist was Rita Godfrey with musical selection of “The Lord’s Prayer” and “The Old Rugged Cross”.

Burial was in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in rural Hastings, Iowa.

Memorials go to the Indian Creek Museum or the Montgomery County Hospital Auxiliary. Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.