Irene Fern Treece, age 89, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.

Irene was born on April 4, 1933 in Concordia, MO, the daughter of Walter and Katherine (Smith) Lueck. She married Louis H. Treece April 4, 1951 in Harris, Arkansas, living most of the early years of their marriage in the Concordia area (Aullville) until finally settling down south of Knob Noster.

Irene worked at the Higginsville garment factory for many years before it closed its doors. She went into nursing later in life, starting at the Windsor hospital working until they closed then going to WMMC for the duration of her career. She also worked fulltime on a dairy farm, often many days of milking by hand when the electricity was out. She helped her daughter run a cafe, "Irene's Place" she loved visiting with the customers and serving them a huge slice of pie and an endless cup of coffee.

She could change your life in just a matter of minutes; she had such a way with people, hence her passion for the healthcare field for many years. Once she touched your life, your life would never be the same. She always had an open door for all the neighbors to come in and start the coffee for the day. She was an amazing cook and every Sunday she had a huge dinner for everyone and you better be there.

She had the kindest heart of anyone; she often helped complete strangers get back on their feet. She would often wake up in the mornings to find numerous friends of her children sleeping on the floor of her bedroom as well as every room in the house; she would just smile and start breakfast. All the friends of her children called her mom like it was so natural to them and she excepted them as much. The number of pancakes she made over the years is more than anyone could count. She would bake cookies for people and then surprise them with the delivery. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. She was an amazing seamstress with the love of embroidery. Making some very cherished quilts over the years, making some for her children and selling some to others.

Irene moved to Collins with her son, Larry, and enjoyed getting out every morning to feed the calves and chickens. Sitting on her covered porch watching the birds, rabbits and squirrels was a favorite pastime. Irene had a love for the Lord and enjoyed going to and listening to the service by Pastor Harvey Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Louis Herbert Treece, son Ray Treece daughter Debra Coulter, son-in-law Jerry Reheard, sister Virginia McWhirter, brother Lavern Lueck, granddaughter Angela Treece, 2 grandsons Jason Adams and Larry Keith Treece, great grandson Jordan Michael Clear.

Irene is survived by her daughter Hazel Reheard of Knob Noster, son Floyd (Debbie) Treece of Warrensburg, son Larry (Sue) Treece of Collins, daughter Twila Bailey of Osceola, daughter Hope (Don) Hale of Clinton, granddaughter Kathy (Marty) Treece-Bowden, brothers Dale (Kay) Lueck of Odessa, Melvin (Mary) Lueck of Knob Noster, sister Ella (Howard) Bryson of Marshall, 27 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild (and 1 on the way), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 8, 2022 at the Leeton Methodist Church with a Celebration of Life following at the Leeton Community Center.