Irene M. Stubbs

Born in Loveland, Colorado, on March 4, 1930, she was the only daughter out of five children born to Lewis H. Karns and Mary E. (Nelson) Karns. Irene grew up on the family homestead with her four brothers: Sammy, Jack, Dale, and Raymond. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until 1944, when the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where she attended Fort Collins High School.

On May 16, 1949, Irene married Ervin C. Bockman in Gould, Colorado. Together they welcomed two daughters: Bonnie and Vicki. They later divorced.

Irene married Dallas E. Stubbs on May 31, 1954, in Fort Ord, California. Because Dallas was in the U.S. Army, they lived in several different states as well as Germany. While stationed in Germany, they welcomed their family's newest addition, adopting a 9-month-old baby boy, Bennie J. Stubbs.

Irene had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone she met, maintaining lifelong friendships all over the world. She brightened every room she walked into, possessed a quick wit, and always left a smile on your face. Whenever someone asked how she was doing, she would famously reply, “Doing pretty good for the shape I’m in!” She remained fiercely positive and always looked for the good things life had to offer. Irene never hesitated to help those in need, even strangers. Once, while living in Wellington, Colorado, a terrible snowstorm left travelers stranded on the highway. Irene and Dallas didn't hesitate to take them into their home and care for them.

Deep in her faith, Irene loved God. No matter where she lived, she always found a church home. She was a member of Pine Grove Church in Willow Springs, Missouri, and Gospel Ridge Church in St. Robert, Missouri. Active in her communities, she was a member of the Rebeccas in Wellington, Colorado, the Widow Support Group at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and the "Gone To Pieces Quilt Guild." She found great joy in quilting, gardening, crocheting, and various other hobbies. Above all, Irene loved her family, her pets, and nature. She was a true blessing to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Gardner of Colorado Springs, CO, and Vicki Boaz (Brian) of St. Robert, MO; her son, Ben Stubbs (Alex) of Naches, WA; her grandchildren, Tina Muchmore (Ray) of Colorado Springs, CO, Jeff Boaz (Alicia) of Wilmington, NC, and Tangela Hayes of Kemp, TX; her great-grandchildren, Vincent and Michael Muchmore, Emma, Bradly, and Ryan Boaz, and Cody Lawrence; and by her brother, Jack Karns.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dallas Stubbs; three brothers, Sammy, Dale, and Raymond Karns; and her grandchildren, Shane Sexton, Kaitlin Lawrence, and Alex Hayes.

Services will be held for Irene on Monday, June 15th, 2026 at Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, CO. A Celebration of Life will take place at 1pm, after which she will be laid to eternal rest.

Those that may not be able to attend in person may view Irene's service here: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26064762909410

Irene’s family extends their gratitude to all those that have helped them during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or a tree may be planted in Irene's memory.

Memories of Irene and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.