Irene Bolton

January 28, 1927 — March 21, 2016

After a brief illness, Irene May Lynn Bolton peacefully joined her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 21, 2016, the day after Palm Sunday and the first day of spring. A visitation will be held at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Eastern Star and Pageantry services beginning at 7:00. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church.

Born on January 28, 1927 in Dallas, South Dakota, Irene was no stranger to hard work and adversity during the Depression and World War II as she grew up in a three room house on a homesteaded dryland farm in Martin, South Dakota. Her extraordinary strength of character formed as she cared for her ailing mother and helped her brothers and father on the farm. From age 12, she lived with friends in town during the winters, giving her the opportunity to fully experience school activities and play her drums in a “girl band” in local venues when the “boys” were at war.

Inspired by the public health nurse who cared for her mother, Irene bravely moved to Sioux City to pursue her nursing career. She attended the Lutheran Hospital’s School of Nursing (now St. Luke’s College), intending to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps, but the war ended before she graduated. After the war she began her nursing profession at the Lutheran hospital, later taught nursing students at St. Luke’s in the 1970s and then joined the Sioux City school system as a school nurse. At last Irene found her true calling, advocating for children, for two (almost three!) generations, finally fully retiring at 82. Irene was proud of her vocation and motivated others to pursue the healing arts, including her daughter Carol, and three granddaughters, Kelly, Amanda and Reona. Even in the days before she passed, she continued to encourage the student nurses who attended her at bedside.

Irene met Kenneth LeRoy Bolton when he returned from the Pacific theatre, beginning their 58 year marriage on June 15, 1947 in Martin. Together they raised five children, Steven Lynn (Connie) of Lake Havasu, Arizona; Barbara Ann (Hal Rainey) of Bozeman, Montana; Carol Jean (Dana Hare) of Winchester, Virginia; William James (Ellen) of San Antonio, Texas; and Terri Lea Mayer (Jim Haase) of Elk River, Minnesota. Irene and Kenneth rejoiced in the birth of every one of their 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Kenneth went to the Lord in March of 2005.

“Your heart grows bigger when you share it.” Irene began a new life with Kelly Houts in 2006, and, in keeping with her loving nature, she embraced his family as her own. Her passing has left an empty place in this family as well, as Kelly’s funny Shrine Clownette and his children’s confidante.

Irene devoted her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a cornerstone member of Calvary Episcopal Church where she was the Directress of the Altar Guild and served as the hospitality “cheerleader.” She and Kelly tirelessly worked together as valued members of the Ministerial Development team.

Irene committed her talents to her community, particularly the Masonic organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star as a 60+ year dual member with the Rose Croix and Azure chapters. She was a member the Pageantry Unit of the Daughters of the Nile since 1976 and many Shrine auxiliary organizations.

Irene loved people! For decades she met monthly with her oldest friends Joy, Glenda and Mary Ann, dubbed the “HYMBS.” Even though she rarely (or barely) read her book club’s books, she rarely missed a meeting. She delighted in the educational programs presented at her Sioux City Retired Educators meetings and was active with the St. Luke’s Retired Nurses group, PEO and the historical club, The Girls of 68.

Her life is summed up in her own words: “Have Faith, Hope and Love. Be true to yourself and be proud of yourself for if you have these, you can accomplish all that is desired. Faith in God is the key that unlocks the door.”

In lieu of flowers, Irene’s family would be honored if her friends would continue her legacy by making a donation for future nursing students to the St. Luke’s Retired Nurses Scholarship Fund, 2720 Stone Park Boulevard, Sioux City, Iowa 51104, and to Calvary Episcopal Church, 1308 South Cleveland, Sioux City, Iowa 51106.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Irene Bolton, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Irene Bolton

January 28, 1927 — March 21, 2016

Guestbook