Irene Mary Malone, passed away peacefully at sunrise on June 23, 2024, just one day shy of celebrating her 57th wedding anniversary with her beloved late husband, Joseph.

Born Irene Mary Rottinghaus on November 25, 1942, in Axtell, Kansas, she was the daughter of Benedict B. and Marcella (Stallbaumer) Rottinghaus. Irene grew up on the family farm near St. Benedict, Kansas, alongside her twin sister and four other siblings. She met her lifelong love, Joseph “Joe” Malone, in Maryville, KS at a wedding dance. They celebrated their nuptials at St. Mary- church in St. Benedict, KS on June 24, 1967.

Irene and her twin sister Eileen graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1960, and together earned their RN degrees from St. Mary- Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. Irene furthered her education, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1966 with a Bachelors of Nursing. Her nursing career spanned an impressive 55 years, marked by dedication to her profession and a deep commitment to patient care. She received many accolades and certifications for her work and was actively involved in professional nursing organizations.

For 35 years, Irene served at the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas where she loved serving the veterans and they loved her. She also worked at Jefferson County Memorial Hospital in Winchester, KS for 4 years. Irene- professional life was complemented by her enduring love for farming alongside her husband, Joe, near Oskaloosa, KS, where they resided for 56 years.

Beyond her career and farming, Irene was a talented quilter, generously sharing her skills with her grandchildren and members of the Jefferson County 4-H. She was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls, pies, and "Mimi cookies," and took great pride in her expansive garden, always eager to share its bounty with others. Many visitors to the farm were surprised when they got home with more than they expected as Irene packed their car as they left.

Active in her community and church, Irene held various positions in the American Legion Auxiliary, was a dedicated member of the Kansas Prairie Quilt Club, and served St. Theresa Catholic Church in Perry, Kansas, in multiple capacities, including as a Eucharistic minister.

Irene- greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children Ann (Brian) McDaneld of Shawnee, KS, Susan (Sean) Wheeler of Olathe, KS, Joseph II (Karen) of Country Club, MO, and John (Cindy) of Meriden, KS. Irene adored her fifteen grandchildren (Mary, Christopher, Ryan, Sammy, Katie, Lydia, Ellie, Lauren, Jane, Ben, Megan, Macy, Maggie, Nora and Zack) and one great-grandchild (Wade), breaking land speed records to attend and cherishing every moment spent at their events across the United States. She is also survived by her sisters, Vera (Mel) of Fruita, CO, and Evelyn of Holly Ranch Lake, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, her parents Benedict and Marcella, her twin sister, Eileen, her brothers, Mark and Eddie and her granddaughter Olivia.

A mother, a wife, a nurse, a farmer: Irene lived a life of service. It was her way of giving love. Judging by the large group of people that have reached out in her last days, and celebrated her life, she spread that love everywhere.
Our beloved cattle farming, weed slaying, salsa-making, seamstress, independent, “all gas/ no brakes” Mimi will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 209 E Third St Perry, KS on Wednesday, June 26 at 5 PM with Nurse Honor Guard Presentation at 7 PM followed by a Parish Rosary.
Mass of Christian Burial at St Theresa Catholic Church Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10 AM . Burial at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Meriden, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice and Jefferson County Friends of 4-H, care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS, 66066. barnettfamilyfh.com