Irene Porter Swank became the joy of the Clifford and Dorothy (Buckley) Porter home on March 1, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York. She worshipped with her Lord in Heaven on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at the age of 80.
Irene lived in New York until she was about 10 years old, when her family moved to a farm in Jamestown, KS. Irene attended Kansas State University in Manhattan (Go Wildcats!), where she met the love of her life for 58 years, Vern. They were married March 30, 1963. Irene completed her RN and BSN degree at KU Medical Center in Kansas City.
Irene worked as a nurse until her dream to become a Mom came true. She was blessed to be a stay at home Mom until both her children started school. Then she went back to work as a night industrial nurse in various plants around the KC metro area. She then became an occupational health nurse for the remainder of her career.
Irene was actively involved in multiple Christian and para church organizations including her church, BreakPointe Community Church, where she served as a parish nurse, the Gideons, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Irene was a fervent prayer warrior, and political activist as well.
Irene is preceded in death by her stillborn daughter, Lee Ann, and her parents. Her memory will be cherished by her faithful husband, Vern, of the home. Her daughter Renee Arnold and her husband, Jeff, of Bartlesville, OK, and her son, Roy Swank, and his wife, Veronica, of Leavenworth, KS, her brother Arthur Porter and wife Connie of Wichita, KS, and her sister Carol Starr and husband, Robb of Beaverton, OR. The joys of her life, her granddaughters: Kaitlyn, Nicole, and Janelle Arnold of Bartlesville, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to BreakPointe Community Church in Overland Park, KS.
