Irene Harrill

Irene Chloe Harrill, one of seven children of Charlie Elam and Mary Ellen (Reid) Elam, was born April 1, 1924 at her parent's rural home in Abo, Missouri. Irene grew up on a farm near Lebanon, Missouri where she attended rural school through the 8th grade. Following school, Irene worked on the family farm with her parents.
Irene married Milburn Mason Harrill in Laclade County, Missouri on April 22, 1942. Milburn enlisted in the U. S. Army serving during World War II. Irene was able to travel with Milburn while he was stationed in California, Oklahoma, Texas, and Indiana. Following the service, they returned to Missouri and in 1946 moved to Carson, Iowa. Milburn worked for Caldwell's Garage and later at Davenports. Irene enjoyed her role as homemaker and mother to their four daughters, Barbara, Kathy, Linda, and Marsha. Through the years, Irene held several waitress jobs in Carson including McClain's Jumbo Freeze and Perky's Pantry. She was also an Avon representative for many years. In 1968, they built their present home in Carson. They had been married 35 years when Milburn died suddenly at the age of 56 years. Irene continued living in Carson and representing Avon products.
Irene attended the Carson Methodist Church and was a lifetime member of the Crossroads Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, a charter member of the B.W. Club, and a member of the W.I.G. S. Hobby Club. Among her enjoyments were reading, crafts, ceramics, and traveling.
Irene died at the Oakland Manor in Oakland, Iowa on April 23, 2005 at the age of 81 years and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Mary Elam; husband Milburn Harrill; an infant brother and brothers Homer Elam, Robby Elam, Frank Elam, Floyd Elam; and sister Marie Anderson.
Irene is survived by her four daughters, Barbara Fox and her husband Jerry of Corona, CA; Kathy Brumley and her husband Steve of Carson, Linda Harrill of Red Oak, IA, and Marsha Roth and her husband David of Council Bluffs, IA; brother Cleo Elam and his wife Dorothy of Lebanon, MO; ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren;nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.