Irene K. King Lytle

Irene King Lytle (Mrs. R.G. Lytle) was born in Butler County, Kentucky on Feb 7, 1912, and passed into P.E.O. Chapter Eternal on Oct 24, 2011. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Lytle and son Col. David K. Lytle. The mother of 2, grandmother of 4, and great-grandmother of 8; Irene was the only daughter of Novella Knight and “Dee” King with 5 brothers who have all preceded her in death. She is survived by her widowed daughter H. Ruth Catalano and two granddaughters Renée M. Catalano (husband Aaron Brewer, great-grandchildren Aidan, Cory, Mariah and Sierra) and Jacque C. Nelson (husband Mike and great-grandson Tyler); daughter-in-law Carolyn Lytle and grandsons Robert S. Lytle (wife Nicole, great-grandchildren Jacob, Cady, and Zachary) and Steven D. Lytle (wife Jennifer).

Irene earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Western Kentucky University and married Robert (Bob) Lytle in 1939. She was a devoted homemaker and helpmate. She taught 3 years in one-room schoolhouses to pay for her education. At age 60, she began a 20 yr real estate career. A Friendship Village resident for 20 yrs, Irene was an active weaver, quilter, bridge player, traveler, and the matriarch who kept track of all friends and family members via letters, email, and even Facebook. She was a life-long Southern Baptist and belonged to The Church on Mill for close to 50 yrs. Irene was a Girl Scout member and leader for 40 yrs, belonged to PEO Chapter X, Hayden Ferry DAR, Tempe Women’s Club, and a founding member of the Tempe African Violet Club.

In 2009, both the King and Lytle sides of the family traveled from all over the world to see Irene as the star of the family reunions. Faith, family, and a firm belief that people would do ‘the right thing’ defined Irene, and the people around her dare not fail to live up to her expectations. After recovering completely from a broken hip at 97, her strength and determination earned her the title “The Iron Lady of Kentucky.”

There will be a private, family only, internment service. The Memorial Service will be at Friendship Village, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2625 E. Southerna Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ASU Foundation, Robert Lytle Scholarship Endowment (account # 40000202) PO Box 2260 Tempe, 85280-2260 480-965-2617.