Esther Irene Israel's Obituary
Esther Irene Israel
February 28, 1923 – February 14, 2010
Irene Israel died peacefully in her sleep at home in Highland, California and went to be with the Lord at the age of 86 on February 14, 2010. She died at daybreak on a beautiful day with her devoted husband, Kenneth, at her side and surrounded by her family.
Irene persevered over her cancer illness for three years until her strength gave way. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she served and worshipped for over 30 years.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Kenneth (Retired Air Force Chaplain/Colonel), and her 5 children: James Lee and his wife Brenda, Kenneth Ray and his wife Annetta, Linda Kay and her husband Ron, Cynthia Irene and her husband Steve and Donald Bruce and his wife Shelly. Irene and Kenneth were also blessed with 11 grandchildren (Karen, Kim, Kenny, Tiffany, Jason, Kristina, Ben, Ryan, Kendra, Jamie, John) and 9 great grandchildren (Henley, Jack, Hudson, Madelyn, Craig, Kyra, Tyler, Kaylee and Luke).
Irene was predeceased by her younger brother, Lee Hoover of Ames Iowa and her Father, James Lester Hoover and her Mother Bessie May (Lepley) from Mount Ayr, Iowa.
She was born on the family farm in Brockton, Iowa and was incredibly proud of her rural heritage and her family. She was devoted to her husband Kenneth and together they were inseparable in their Mid Western values and shared ministry. Irene was a member of the Order of the Easter Star.
She and Kenneth would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on 21 November 2010. Irene was loved by all due to her kind and gracious nature. She was always intimately involved with her family, friends and neighbors. Irene’s life revolved around her family and her total peace in God’s mercy and unconditional love.
Irene was raised on the farm and married Kenneth while in college at Northwest Missouri State Teacher’s College. After a brief coaching, teaching and civil preaching career, Kenneth entered the Air Force (AF) in 1952 and served with distinction for over 30 years at various locations around the world. Irene loved to travel and being a Chaplain’s wife was a prayer true. Irene and Kenneth enjoyed AF assignments in Texas, Japan, New Hampshire, United Kingdom, Philippines, Illinois and California. Irene was active in all church and base activities and made lifelong friends at each and every assignment. Irene and Kenneth’s last duty assignment was at Norton Air Force Base. They loved California and deeply valued the proximity to their three youngest children and decided to make Highlands their permanent residence. In their retirement they traveled extensively across the United States in their Winnebago and visited family, friends and anything to do with Kenneth’s genealogy pursuits. Irene’s love put beauty in everything, warmth in each home and joy in family memories.
Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 28355 East Baseline, Highland, California, 92346 on 18 February 2010 at 8:00a.m.
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