Irene Olive Garness

In lieu of flowers, Irene would like memorials given to Avera Hospice or the Emmet County Relay for Life.

Irene Olive (Taylor) Garness, the daughter of John and Wyona (Hansen) Taylor, was born near Dickens, Iowa, on April 10, 1922, during a blizzard and departed this life at Avera Holy Family Hospital on April 15, 2016, at the age of 94 years and 5 days.

Irene received her early education in Freeman #7 Rural Clay County School then graduated as valedictorian of Dickens High School with the class of 1940. Following graduation with an

Associate of Arts degree in elementary education, she worked at the Emmet County State Bank for the next 18 ½ years.

On February 14, 1962, she was united in marriage to Carl J. Garness of Madelia, Minnesota at the First United Methodist Church in Estherville. Irene continued to work the next five years then helped Carl with his custodial duties. Carl died May 10, 1981. The couple had no children. Irene was baptized in the Christian faith in 1963 and was a member of the United Methodist Church. She served faithfully on various committees including Lay Leader, Lay Member to Annual Conference for several years, Advisory Council, Finance Committee, and as Historian. She became a Certified Lay Speaker in 1988, giving Sunday messages in her own and several area churches. Irene was also an honorary member of United Methodist Men because of her work with the pancake suppers. An avid gardener, she worked a 50' by 87' garden each year to relax. Bountiful produce was canned, shared, and sold. Most of Irene's pleasure in life came from helping others. She always looked forward to the yearly tour through the U.S. with the same group of lifetime friends, visiting all but seven states. Most memorable were the recent trips to the shows in Branson, Missouri. In 1956 Irene became a member of Wa-Tan-Ye, a women's service club, and served all offices and committees. She was also a member of the Interstate Religious Writer's Association, having two articles published about her life.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Roy and his wife, Lola; nephew, Roger and his wife, Kathy; and great-nephew, Jarrod.

Survivors include nine first cousins, several second cousins, a host of friends around the country, and the Chipman family who "adopted" Irene several years ago when she was alone. Also, very close to Irene, were Shari (Seeger) Lenz and her husband, Mark, along with their sons, Nick and Evan who called her Grandma Garness.