Irene Marie Cressler

Irene Marie (Beach) Cressler passed away Thursday morning, March 14, 2013, at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC at the age of 78. She was born in Hoxie January 21, 1935 to E.W. and Dollie (Lowe) Beach. Irene married Larry Cressler on April 14, 1953 in the United Presbyterian Church in Hoxie. They were blessed with six children. They spent their life together in Sheridan County, farming, ranching, and raising their family. Irene was a good and faithful servant of her community, with a special love of special needs children and the less fortunate. Irene was a lifetime member of the United Presbyterian Church of Hoxie and faithfully served her church in many roles. Irene participated in many local and statewide organizations as both a volunteer and member. She served on the Sheridan County Extension Board and was a leader and district judge for 4-H. Irene was very dedicated in helping organize and volunteered for the local " Hospice of Hope" in Hoxie, served on the Kansas State Hospice Board, and was an area Hospice trainer. She was instrumental in establishing the Swap Shop in Hoxie. Irene served many years as a trainer for Development Services of Northwest Kansas. She was a member of the High Plains Mental Health Board and the Kansas Association of Rehabilitation. In 1980 she was recognized in the High Plains Journal as " Farm Wife of the Year." Irene served several years as a volunteer advocate for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, and in 1980 received the President's Award for CASA. Irene loved her country and respected all veterans. She researched, interviewed veterans, and drafted stories for the Sheridan County Veteran Tribute in 2004. In 1980, Irene received the Kansas Governor’s Award for Volunteerism. Most recently, Irene was dedicated to the support of the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Irene is survived by her loving husband Larry; children, LaRene Jackson of Lawrence, Ross Cressler and his wife Lynetta, Herb Cressler and his wife Marty, and Lori Cressler all of Hoxie; grandchildren, Jerri (Kevin) Coats, Dustin (Sarah) Smith, Benjamin (Rebecca) Cressler, Regina Cressler, Loren Cressler, Keith (Michelle) Cressler, Chasity (Michael) Lewis, Randi Cressler, Kyle Weeks, Dalton Brown, and Tiffany and Heather Holt; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Madisyn and Treyton Coats, Johanna, Emery and Micah Smith, Brittney Lewis, Dominic, Tobias and Elijah Cressler, Kellen Cressler, and Bentley and Braydyn Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents E.W. and Dollie Beach; two sons, Russell in 1972 and infant Roy in 1958; sister Lois Vaughn; and infant great-grandson, Keller Smith. God doesn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, no sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Irene’s memory will remain with her family and friends. Reception: First Presbyterian Church