Irene was born June 12, 1935 to Harry B and Naomi Wilson in Chewelah WA. At a young age the family moved to Moxee WA. Irene attended Moxee schools and graduated in 1953. It was in Moxee that she met and married William (Bill) Carroll. The two were married on February 14, 1955 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Yakima WA. They resided near San Diego, CA while Bill was in the US Navy until returning to Yakima to raise their family.
Irene was blessed with her first daughter Doris Ann in 1957, again with Linda Marie in 1960 and with Wanda Jean in 1967. The family lived in Yakima until 1972 when they achieved their life dream of living on a farm and moved to their dream of country life on their 20 acres. They traded weekends of jeeping, camping and boating for cattle, gardens and backyard swimming. Irene was extremely proud of the home that she designed, inch by inch, room by room. She opened her beloved home to foreign exchange students, extended family members and every wayward cat, dog, goat and rabbit her girls wanted.
When Bill passed away in 1984, Irene eventually sold the farm and purchased a home in Selah, WA. She busied herself with her work, grandchildren and volunteering for the YVCC Literacy program. From there she decided to take an evening class on history, where she met William P. Thompson (Mr. Bill). Their common interests and enjoyment of each other lead to their marriage in February of 1993. They enjoyed 17 years together traveling, spending anniversaries in Hawaii, boating, playing bridge and hosting family gatherings around their pool before Mr. Bill’s passing in 2010.
Irene’s career was in bookkeeping. She was an expert at balancing checkbooks and journal entries TO THE PENNY. She had an eagle eye for perfection and her employers benefited greatly from it. She was a faithful employee, providing an excellent example of work ethic for others. She retired from The Dolsen Company in 1992. It would please Bob Dolsen to know that her final refreshment was an ice cold Coca Cola. Upon retirement she used those same skills with her volunteer and civic activities at PEO, Wesley United Methodist Church and Women’s Century Club. She gave countless hours to the UMC Women’s Club organizing their annual Rummage Sale. When she wasn’t volunteering, she spent time creating and donating baby quilts to hundreds of area families. Each of her 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren are the fortunate recipients of her vision and handiwork.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands Bill Carroll and Bill Thompson; and her sister Harriet Rothwell. She is survived by her daughters Doris (Roberto) Onnis of Tigard OR and their children Nicola (Greg Huntington ) Onnis with daughter Miriam; Michella, Stefan and Natalia (Joe) all of the Portland, OR area; Linda (Manuel) Orozco of Yakima and their children Lacey (Kyle) Nicholson of Cle Elum and their daughters Charlotte/Charlie, Jocelyn and Harper; Lauren (Robby) Burns of Pasco, WA and their daughters Coraline, Evie and Maura; Manuel’s daughters Sophie (Tim) Craven of Benton City with their children Ty, Tiana and Trey, Angela (Chris) Abrams of Yakima and their son Nate; Wanda (Mike) Bratt of Victoria, BC with their children Jaren and Patrick, as well as two more great grandchildren due in November. Additional family members include her brother Richard (Kay) Wilson of Yakima, sister Sandy (Joe) Edwards of Hayden, ID and numerous nieces and nephews and Bill Thompson’s son Brian (Jenny) of Selah WA.
Her daughters would like to thank the entire staff of Fieldstone Adult Family Home for their devoted care of mom in her final months. A special thanks to Keri who managed her daily needs and Bill; (yes – another Bill) that ensured her weekly transport to visit Kathy Pridgen, the most devoted hair stylist ever known. Your extra efforts ensured her dignity and comfort during the most difficult times. We are forever grateful.
Viewing services for Irene to be held Friday, August 24th, 2018 from 4-8pm at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. Funeral services to be held Saturday, August 25th, 2018 10AM at Wesley United Methodist Church with burial to follow at West Hills Memorial Park.
