Irene Della Pyle

Irene was born to Samuel and Mary Williams on September 20, 1918 in DeGraff, Ohio. She grew up on a farm with brothers Laverne, Asa, and Joseph, and sisters Florence and Ella. . After losing her mother as a young teen, Irene moved to Detroit, MI to live with her sister Florence. She graduated from Cooley High School and worked in a movie theater before being hired as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell.

Irene met Paul Koller in Detroit and married him in 1940. They shared 49 years of marriage and had three children: Richard (Patt), David (Mary), and Susan (Tom). Irene had four grandchildren: Kate (John), Wendy (John), Paul (Malia), and Michael, and five greatgrandchildren: Jack, William, Meaghan, Riley, and Kai.

Paul loved sailing and building boats, including the 29’ Coquette. Irene sewed sail covers and bunk cushions, cooked great meals in the tiny galley, and spent an astounding amount of time on the Great Lakes waters for someone who never learned to swim. Paul’s other hobby was flying, and Irene was his willing co-pilot on many flights in tiny planes. Paul passed away in 1989.

A few years after being widowed Irene married Brad Pyle, and they enjoyed 17 years together. Brad made sure his wife always had roses and chocolates.

Irene enjoyed and mastered a number hobbies over the years, including sewing, decoupage, millenary, many others. Her reputation as an excellent cook and baker is well deserved. Reading and music always brought her joy. She was an active member of First English Lutheran Church for over 60 years.

In 2017, Irene moved to Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, Michigan, and was very content in their loving care. She died on February 11, 2021 at the age of 102 due to complications from Covid-19. The comment made most throughout her life has always been “Everyone loves Irene!"

                     Happy Days, and Goodnight, Irene