- Date Of Birth: October 4, 1920
- Date Of Death: June 17, 2021
- State: Iowa
Sarah Irene Taylor Osborne Wheeler passed away peacefully June 17, 2021, she lived for 100 years, 8 months and 13 days.
Irene was born October 4, 1920 in a farmhouse south of Grimes. Irene was one of five children born to Harry and Edna (Osterhout) Taylor of Grimes. She preferred to be called by her middle name, Irene.
Irene graduated from Grimes Community School in 1938. While on a trip to California, Irene went on a blind date with William “Cap” Osborne, three weeks later they were united in marriage in March of 1939. Irene and Cap settled back in Iowa on the family farm. To this union was born three daughters, Beverly, and twin girls, Shirley and Sharon. They raised chickens, geese and ducks and operated the Osborne Hatchery, along with row crops and dairy cattle. Cap and Irene also both worked at the Grimes Canning Factory at night and would come home and milk cows early in the morning.
Irene was a wonderful mother, always sewing clothes for the girls and doing their hair. Irene was known to have a huge garden and especially enjoyed growing tomatoes.
Upon retirement Irene and Cap built a home in the town of Grimes and enjoyed traveling to see family in California, Alabama and many other places. Cap passed away in 1977.
Irene then married a longtime family friend, Jerry Wheeler in 1979. Irene and Jerry enjoyed traveling together and wintered in Texas for many years.
Irene was a member of the Grimes School PTA, founder of the Plus 40 Club and was involved in the Polk City Chapter of Eastern Star. She was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2019 and was the oldest living resident of the City of Grimes.
Irene was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Grimes and participated in many Harvest Home dinners and Ladies Aid activities. Irene was famous for her homemade pies.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Beverly Kelly (Mason) of Tacoma, WA. Shirley Shipley and Sharon Kramer, both of Grimes. Step-daughters, Sharon Scott (Joe) of Gilbert AZ, Georgia Wright (Ed) of Ankeny. Grandkids, Mike Kelly, Stephanie Kramer-Myles (Antonio), Leann Reiste (Steve), Sarah Kramer (Edward Hunt). Step grandkids, Todd Wright, Tim Wright, Nicole Scott and Byron Scott. Great-grandkids, Laura Reiste and Jared Reiste and many step grand kids and step great-grand kids, and many nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Robert Taylor, Dale Taylor, Glen Taylor and sister, Grace LaFee. Her husband Cap, husband Jerry, step daughter, Roberta Kerns and four sons-in-law, Pete Limprecht, Jim Kelly, Ron Kramer, Leroy Shipley and grandson, Charles Kelly.
