Kathern S. Irwin

Funeral services for Kathern S. Irwin, 88, of Junction City, KS will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor James Callaway officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service. Mrs. Irwin passed away at Chapman Valley Manor on July 18, 2011. Memorial contributions have been designated to the First Baptist Church, 624 N. Jefferson, Junction City, KS 66441 and Chapman Valley Manor, 1009 N. Marshall, Chapman, KS 67431.

She was born August 4, 1922, Junction City, KS. She was the adopted daughter of Harry and Hilda (Faulk) Nailing. She had lived most of her life in Junction City. Kathern married Joseph J. "Doc" Irwin on August 21, 1940. They were blessed with four children. Doc preceded her in death in 1957. At this time Kathern entered the work force beginning at Fort Riley Elementary School and then working for Dillon's Food Store as a non-food manager, she retired in 1987 after 22 years of service to Dillon's.

Kathern's greatest joy was her children and grandchildren and her happiest times were spent with them. She made homemaking an art and was known for her decorating flair and style. She loved to garden, cook, taking daily walks and she loved to travel. Kathern was an inspiration to her family and friends.
She had been a member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years and a member of the Priscilla Circle she also served as the past president of the Eagle's Auxiliary #830. She also enjoyed volunteer work for Geary County Historical Society.

Kathern is survived by her daughter Mary Jahnke (Mrs. Samuel Jahnke) of rural Geary County and son, John Irwin and wife Cathy of Carlisle, PA, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Edward "Skip" Irwin and Earl "Sandy" Irwin and his wife Linda, her son-in-law, Samuel Jahnke in addition to her husband and parents.