Irene Schroeder Lane

Irene Schroeder Lane, 94, of McGregor went to her heavenly home, Monday, August 24, 2015. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 4th, at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Christine L. Farrow officiating. Interment will follow at McGregor Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3rd, at Cole Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lane was born February 7, 1921 in McGregor, Texas, the daughter of the late Will and Emma (Hering) Schroeder. She was a 1938 graduate of McGregor High School where she was a cheerleader. On December 11, 1941, she married L.B. Lane at the Zion Lutheran Church parsonage, while he was on furlough from his WWII Army service. After 54 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on March 22, 1996.

From 1939 to 1953, Irene worked in Waco, but most of her career was spent with the McLennan County Electric Cooperative (now the Heart of Texas Coop), working there from 1953 to her retirement in 1989.

Irene loved her church, her family, her friends, and her community. She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School secretary, church treasurer, and member of the Altar Guild. As long as her health allowed, she attended services regularly and remained active in the Women of the Church Mary Martha Circle and the Ladies Quilting Group. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 46 years, and an active member of the McGregor Garden Club for many years. She enjoyed every moment shared with family and friends, and will forever be remembered for her fun-loving nature, infectious smile, green thumb, and amazing cooking.

Also preceding her in death was her brother and sister-in-law, Eldon and Eloise Schroeder, and a sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and John Abel.

Survivors include daughter, Kim Howze and husband Gary of Montgomery, Texas; grandsons, Erich Howze and wife, Julia, of Austin, Sean Howze and wife, Jennifer, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and great-grandson, Tobias Howze, of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a very special thank you to caregivers Ruth Benitez and Yvonne Tharpe, whose loving care allowed Irene to remain in her home, even as her health declined. Also, the family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Providence Hospital and Providence Hospice Care Center, for their outstanding care and compassion.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Cole Funeral Home, McGregor, TX.