Irene Garrett

Irene at the age of 76 walked into the loving arms of Jesus, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in her home in Willard, Missouri, surrounded by soothing sounds of hymns and her beloved family and closest friends.

Irene was one of five siblings born to William Thomas and Enid O’Neil in Independence, Missouri, on December 23, 1948. She was baptized at the precious age of eight, into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She started her adult life in Missouri then on to Tucson, Arizona; San Carlos, Mexico; Drury, Norwood, Springfield and finally her home sweet home in Willard, Missouri. In each of these places, she created memories with her three children Wendy, Billy and Patti. She was fully invested in raising her children with Godly principals and a devoted mother’s love.

Her devotion to her faith carried her through the daily trials of life. She handled the peaks and valleys of life with grace and forgiveness. Seeking refuge in her well-worn scriptures of the Inspired Bible and the Book of Mormon. Oh, to have a faith such as hers, is something we should all aspire to. She planted seeds of God’s love wherever she went and will always and forever be remembered by her cheerful greeting, “Have a Jesus filled Day!”

Irene is survived by her three beloved children: Wendy Lynn Stanek and her husband, Brian; William Lee {Billy} Roberts and his wife, Tammy; and Jean Patricia {Patti} Oglesby. Her legacy, known as Mee-Maw continues through her five grandchildren: Ivory Victoria Hopkins-Grubb and husband, Tyler; Kyle Lee Roberts; Megan Leeann Roberts-Rose and husband, Brett; Hailey Nicole Roberts; Gabriella Elizabeth Oglesby; and three great-grandchildren: Silas Paul Roberts, Kaitlyn Rose Roberts, and Cobra Jett Roberts along with a beautiful O’Neil lineage of nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents William Thomas and Enid O’Neil; sister Sylvia Brush, brother William {Bill} O’Neil, sister Ilean Holmes and husbands Clifford Lorrett and John Garrett.

Celebration of Life Service was 1 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Rose Hill Baptist Church, Willard, Missouri. Private family burial in Norwood, Missouri. 

Arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home.