•Birth and Early Life: She was born in St Louis, Missouri on February 3rd, 1930, to Marquis and Gertrude Lashley. She was one of eight children and her father died when she was 10. She learned self-sufficiency and money management at an early age.
•Education and Career: After graduating from Forest Park Community College Irene worked as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Hygiene Instructor at Washington University in St Louis.
•Marriage and Family: She married Arthur Robert Meenen, May 12, 1950, and together they shared 67 wonderful years.
•Personal Traits and Hobbies: Irene enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a devout Christian who loved Midtowne Church and her pastors. She enjoyed baking, reading, working on puzzle books, leading a Girl Scout Troop, and sewing. Irene was a very social person who loved having fun with family and friends and traveling the world with her husband Arthur.
•Surviving and Preceded Family: Irene was preceded in death by her husband Arthur. Survivors include Daughter Laura Meenen Griepp, Son Robert Meenen, Son in Law George Griepp. Grandsons Daniel Meenen, Jacob Meenen, and Eric Brown. Granddaughter Emily Obasade. Great Granddaughters Aulelei Kennach, Leelana Kennach, and Emma Robinson. Great grandsons Daniel (Danny) Meenen, Luke Meenen, Keegan Meenen and Rowan Meenen.
•Service Details: A Celebration of Life service will be held at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wright Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas on Saturday September 26, 2026, at 3 P.M. Followed by a light meal and fellowship.
•Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, Irene asked that donations be made to Midtowne Church in Benton, Arkansas in memory of Irene Meenen.
