RICHARDSON, Irene (1921-2013)

RICHARDSON

Posted By: Don Boucher (email)
Date: 2/17/2013 at 09:55:35

Obituary from The Des Moines Register newspaper, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA on 2-17-2013:

A celebration gathering for Irene Richardson, 91, who died peacefully Friday, February 15, 2013 at Good Samaritan Center in Indianola will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, February 23, at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola.

Irene lived most of her life in the Indianola area. She married Vernon J. Wilson in 1938 and out of that marriage was born son Vernon E. Wilson. The marriage did not survive the war years. During WW II, Irene worked at the Des Moines Ordinance plant, first working the night production line and eventually working her way to the 30-caliber line supervisor. Following the war, Irene worked for NAPA and Gibbs Cook, Inc. She met Elmer "Curly" Richardson about that time. In 1948, Irene and Curly were married and lived in Indianola with son Vernon and Curly's daughter Jerry. Son Steven was born in the mid 1950's and soon thereafter, Irene went back to school to learn to be a hair dresser. In 1961, Irene opened Dayton Park Beauty Salon, eventually moving the business near the Indianola Square. There the business prospered and in 1967, son Vernon joined Irene in the business. They opened shops in Carlisle, Milo and Pleasantville. Always the businesswoman, Irene joined the Indianola Chamber of Commerce eventually becoming the first woman President of the Chamber in 1978. Following her year as Chamber President, Irene ran for Mayor of Indianola, winning the office in the 1979 election, thus becoming the first and only woman Mayor of Indianola, serving three terms. Irene retired from her business in the mid 1980's turning over her business to son Vernon. Irene and Curly traveled extensively until Curly's death in 1996.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Oren and Florence, brothers William Aubert, Robert "Bob" Aubert and George Aubert and sister Thelma Aubert Staats. She is survived by sister Jo-Ann Aubert Leonhardt, children Vernon Wilson, Jerry Lea (Harry) Johnson and Steven (Deb) Richardson, grandchildren Heath Johnson, Neil Johnson, Jennifer (Zach) Todden, Rebecca (Kevin Walsh) Richardson and Molly Richardson. Irene had two great grandsons, Jackson Sollberger and Lucas Todden. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive Irene.

Memorials may be given to the Summerset Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.overtonfunerals.com .