Marguerite Elaine Irby, 92, died June 25, 2020, in Liberal, Kansas.
She was born to Melvin and Barbara (Rudman) Kenyon, June 16, 1928 in
Bogue, Kansas. Growing up in Bogue, she and her sister Jean were
surrounded by many friends and relatives. She graduated from Bogue High
School in 1945.
She met and fell in love with Robert Ara Irby, and soon the two were
married. They repeated their vows before a Justice of the Peace at Hill
City, July 18, 1945. This marriage lasted until Robert passed away in
January 2001.
Early in their marriage she and Robert lived in Houston, Texas,
while Robert was in the military. They moved to Bogue in 1945 and
Liberal in 1966. They returned to Bogue in 1986. Several years after
Robert’s death, she moved back to Liberal.
While in Houston and Bogue, Marguerite provided a babysitting
service. While living in Liberal, she worked in high school cafeteria.
Soon after returning to Bogue, she worked 20 years at the Dawson Place
Nursing Home in Hill City.
Music of any kind was an important part of Marguerite’s life. She
sang alto with her favorite song being “Victory in Jesus”. Playing cards
with family and friends was great entertainment, her specialty being
pinochle. Watching KU basketball with Robert was a special joy as well.
Marguerite was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the
United Methodist Church where she always took an active part in UMW and
Service Club. The Bogue Ladies TPM Club was rarely missed by her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert and sister Jean Venich.
Left to mourn her passing are her three sons: Layton of Wichita,
Richard (Debbie) of Valley Center, Bret (Elizabeth) of Liberal; two
daughters: Judith Day of Franklin, Tennessee and Pamela (Gary) Bird of
Patoka, Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Mitchell Irby (Andrea) of Lawrence,
Rebecca Irby of Liberal, Jennifer (Zac) Masters of Franklin, Tennessee,
Jana (Sam) Inman of Lewisburg, Tennessee, Brian (Julie) Bird of Makanda,
Illinois, Shelli (Rick) Hubler of Salem, Illinois, Matthew Irby of
Emporia, Tamara (David) LeMonnier of Andover; Douglas (Christin) Irby of
Bel Aire, Bobby Irby, Johnny Irby and Donny Irby all of Louisiana; 18
great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Connor, Dylan, Paige, Jared, Marissa,
Morgan, Joshua, Jonathan, Grady, Landon, Skyler, Ethan, Johnny Jr.,
Dylan, Jarryn, Ryan and Gavin; and many friends and relatives.
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