Mary Ayne Irons, age 85, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois died peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Big Meadows Nursing Facility, Savanna, Illinois. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at St. John’s and Catherine Catholic Church in Mt. Carroll, with Father Dennis Atto as Celebrant. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A memorial fund has been established in Mary’s memory.
Mary was born on January 7, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Grace (Ireland) Carey in Savanna. She attended Savanna High School and graduated with the Class of 1948. In August 1948, Mary married the love of her life Garland Irons. Garland passed away July 6, 1986. In her early years, Mary worked as a phone operator in Mt. Carroll and part-time at the Farm Bureau. She later became a homemaker and found joy in taking care of her kids and watching them grow up.
Mary was a member of the Women’s Fire Department Auxiliary and St. John’s and Catherine Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing, reading, crocheting, puzzles and flower gardens. Mary spent a lot of her time outside taking long walks around town. Most of all, Mary treasured the time she spent with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary will be dearly missed by her two sons, John (Mary) Irons of Savanna, Robert (Bebe) Irons of Mt. Carroll; two daughters, Jill (Terry Johnson) Holtman of Savanna, Wendy Bradley of Mt. Carroll; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Carey and Isabelle Marth. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Jack Carey and a sister, Lorene Massie.