Irene Skeels

1932 - 2025

IRENE E SKEELS

August 15, 1932 – July 7, 2025

Irene was born to Willis V. and Betty Francis Brown in Pond, California. She passed away at her home surrounded by family. In her early years she spent time in northern and southern California before the family, including her sister Faye, settled in Wasco. She graduated from Wasco High in 1950. It was there she met her husband to be Gordon. Gordon graduated a year later and they married shortly after. After he was discharged from the army they began their family. They had four children: Chris (Penny), twins Kim (Steve) Urner and Kelly (Kathy), and Layne (Sherry).

Irene (Nana) was preceded in death by her father Willis, mother Francis, sister Faye, husband Gordon and daughter Kim. She is survived by her 3 sons and their wives, 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Over the years Irene worked a few jobs but she was primarily a homemaker. While Gordon worked and played, she was happy to stay home and raise her family. The Skeels home was a gathering place for friends and between the four kids, there were many days when the house was full. Once her children were out of the house, Irene went to work for the elementary school district as a food server. She loved being around the kids. While she wasn't a big traveler, she did enjoy a beach trip to Avila/Cayucos or spending time in Sequoia. No matter where she went, there was usually a herd of kids in tow.

Over the last few years she loved family visits, watching westerns or just sitting on the front porch or in the backyard in the evening, watching the birds, listening to music, talking and drinking a beer. She was dearly loved.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Delorez Gutierrez and her daughter Destiny, Tish Lewis and Lorena Aguerria for their friendship and help in taking care of Nana.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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