Irene A. Dunn

Irene A. Dunn, age 97, passed away late Friday evening, August 7, 2015, at the Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas.

She was born July 17, 1918, to George and Dorothy Wiederholt in Clyde, Missouri. Her father passed away when she was very young, so she spent a great deal of time with her grandparents whom she remembers fondly. She tell the story of her grandfather teaching her to read before she was old enough to start school, which might explain her love for reading her entire life.

Irene met her husband, John “Darby” Dunn, while both of them were working in Kansas City, Kansas. Darby was born and raised in Plains, Kansas. They were married at Clyde, Missouri, on October 13, 1941. While living in Kansas City, their first son, Ronnie was born. After the death of Darby’s father, they moved back to Plains in the fall of 1945 to take over the operation of the family owned grocery story, “Dunn’s Store”. After moving to Plains two more children were born. Gary (married to Barbara Reiss) and Mary Lynne (married to David Bryant).

During the earl y 1960’s, Darby and Irene purchased additional grocery stores in Liberal and Sublette. Irene was kept busy as bookkeeper for the businesses. It was truly a “family” business as all of their children also worked in the stores. They sold all of the stores in 1971. Darby then worked for the Kansas Department of Health and Irene worked as Secretary/Bookkeeper for the Area Mental Health Agency in Liberal. They retired in 1982.

Irene’s hobbies included reading, crocheting, gardening, playing cards, and singing. She was the Choir Director at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Plains for many years and was also very active in the Altar Society at the church. She an Darby also enjoyed traveling. After over 45 years of marriage, Darby passed away on June 5, 1987, at the age of 71.

Along with her three children, Irene has seven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include, Daryll Dunn, Eva Duran, Chris Dunn, Derek Dunn, Dirk Dunn, Michael Bryant, and Blake Bryant. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events and was one of their proudest (and loudest) fans.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Plains. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at the church. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in the Plains Cemetery, Plains.

The family would welcome memorials to the Plains Library or the charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com