Irene Louise Richey's Obituary
Irene L. Wessel Richey, age 89, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 18, 2011 at her home in Highland. Irene was born in Santa Ana, CA. As a long-time resident of San Bernardino, she graduated from San Bernardino High School and received an Associate Business Degree from San Bernardino Valley College.
For many years Irene was a dedicated community volunteer and a member of the Iota Epsilon Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Del Rosa Women’s Club, Santa Claus Inc., San Bernardino Assistance League, National Charity League of San Bernardino, and past President of the San Bernardino Opti-Mrs. Club. Her involvement in P.E.O. remained her key passion in the past several years.
Irene was a member of the First Baptist Church in Redlands. Previously, she was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in San Bernardino where she served as Office Manager for over 5 years with sole responsibility for publishing the weekly church bulletin. Irene retired as Office Manager for the Uptown YMCA of San Bernardino.
Irene married Carl H. Wessel in 1941, who passed away in 1972. After being widowed for over 20 years, she married Arthur “Buck” Richey in 1995.
She is survived by family and friends who loved her dearly which include her husband, Buck; daughters: Linda Kintz, Donna Wessel-Graham, and Debbie Porterfield; grandchildren: Brian Kintz, Scott Kintz, Alicia Perkins and Michael Porterfield; and great grandchildren: Alexis and Mackenzie Perkins and Davis Kintz.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 25 from 5-7pm, with the Memorial Service Saturday, March 26 at 11am, both at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Avenue, San Bernardino. A reception will immediately follow. A private family graveside service will be held at Montecito Memorial Park prior to the Memorial Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, “In Memory of Irene Wessel Richey,” to a P.E.O. charity: Cottey College, “General Endowed Scholarships,” 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772.
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