Irene E. Willey, 89, Parsons, died at Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at Elmhaven West Nursing Home in Parsons.

She was born August 28, 1922, in Valeda, to Glen Thomas and Vida Ann Neidigh Bowman. During high school years she moved to Altamont where she attended school and graduated from Labette County Community High School.

On May 13, 1944, she married Jim Cross. Following marriage, they lived in Oswego where she was a homemaker. They later divorced. In July of 1967, she married Orval Willey.

While living in Parsons, she was employed by Fred Ronald Manufacturing Company for more than 25 years.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Orval Willey, of the home; one son, Bob Cross and wife, Jean, Chanute; one daughter, Marie Mahoney and husband, Michael, Overland Park; one stepson, Jimmy Willey and wife, Brenda, Salina; one stepdaughter, Jackie Gitchel and husband, Bob, Pueblo, Colo.; five grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ralph Bowman and wife, Retha, Springfield, Mo., Raymond Bowman and wife, Naomi, Wichita, Leo Bowman and wife, Michiko, Russellville, Ark.

She was preceded in death by one sister.

Following cremation, the family will hold private services at a future date.

The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m., Monday, Jan. at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.