Irene Werner

FORT WORTH - Isabelle Irene Werner
September 5, 1923 - February 23, 2023
Irene (always Irene, never Isabelle) was born on September 5, 1923, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Rodney and Isabelle Rice. She was a graduate of Stephen's Point Teacher's College and went on to teach in a one room schoolhouse serving grades 1 - 8.
During World War II she did her part, working at the Badger Ordinance Defense Plant, making ammunition, and eventually working in the audit department. The audit experience paid off when she went to work for General Motors as a bookkeeper.
On August 20, 1946, she married Ron Werner. They grew up together in Oxford, Wisconsin, and were married 67 years at the time of his death. They moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, and both worked for General Motors. Irene remained there until the birth of their first child, Sue.
General Motors moved the family to Kansas City, where their second child, John, was born. Ron's final year with General Motors was spent in Spain. Irene was able to indulge her love of travel, touring Europe during that time.
Her church has always been an important part of her life. Wherever she lived she became involved in her Presbyterian church. We always joked that there was never a committee she was not a part of, usually as the secretary. She was ordained as an elder in 1983.
In 1992 Ron and Irene moved to Ft. Worth, Texas. Never content to not be active, she continued her involvement with her church, serving on multiple committees, and volunteered at Texas Health Southwest Hospital.
Irene lived 99 years. She loved her family, reading, music, travel, and her church. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her willingness to help (she never learned to say no), and her beautiful blue eyes. She was loved.
Irene was preceded in death by her spouse, Ron, and her brother, Jack Rice. She is survived by:
Children, Sue Moore and husband, Jim, of Aledo. John Werner and wife, Angie, of Wasilla, Alaska.
Grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kelton and husband, Anson, of Ft. Worth. Lauren Moore of New Orleans, LA. Lyndi Derheim and husband, Matt, of Palmer, Alaska. Carrianna Leonpacker and husband, Michael, of Houston.
Great-grandchildren, Addy and Lizzy Derheim; Madden and Tollie Isabelle Kelton.