Clara Irene (Stroh) Burton, lovingly known to everyone simply as Irene, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at the Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas, at the age of 94.
Born on August 28, 1931, in Humboldt, Kansas, Irene was the daughter of George and Leola Stroh. On January 27, 1951, she married the love of her life, Chauncey Leroy "Burt" Burton. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. Through 75 years together, they raised four children and were blessed with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Irene is survived by her children: Katherine Burton of Olathe, Kansas; Steve Burton and his fiancé, Shirley Marrs of DeSoto, Kansas; Jim Burton and his husband, Paul Bradwell of Olathe, Kansas; and Judy Iveson and her husband, Mark Iveson of Wellsville, Kansas. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jaime Speer and her husband, Ira Speer; Ann Burton and her husband, Michael AC Arnoldcox; Samantha Crabbs; Dave Burton and his wife, Cassie; and Jay Iveson and his wife, Amanda Schelp Iveson.
Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren: Renner Speer and his fiancé, Raven Loudermill; Addyson Speer; Bronson Speer; Weston Crabbs; and Sadie Crabbs.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Burt; her parents, George and Leola Stroh; her brother, Bud Stroh; many other treasured family members, as she was the last of her generation; and two precious great-grandchildren, Cortlyn Jay Speer and Anthony Raskin.
Family was the center of Irene's world. While raising her children, she devoted countless hours to their activities, serving as an active Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, a dedicated room mother who never arrived empty-handed, and the neighborhood "block mother," always ready to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or welcome a child in need. Her kindness and generosity touched not only her own family but everyone around her.
After she and Burt retired, one of their greatest joys was spending time with their grandchildren. Together they faithfully attended games, concerts, recitals, and countless other activities, making sure they never missed a special moment. They also loved camping and going to Branson. They traveled in their RV around to KOA campgrounds, often taking their grandkids along for the adventure. As the family grew, that same devotion extended to each of the great-grandchildren. Whether it was a sporting event, school program, or celebration, Irene was there, cheering with pride. She rarely came without a fresh batch of her homemade cookies, always bringing enough to share with the entire team. She was also known to give the kids a fresh dollar bill for every event.
Irene had a gift for making people feel loved. Her hands were rarely still. She found joy in tending her flower gardens, quilting, and sewing with remarkable skill and care. She lovingly created Barbie clothes that became treasured keepsakes, stitched Halloween costumes that brought childhood dreams to life, and sewed dresses for special occasions, including a beautiful flower girl dress. Every quilt, every stitch, and every batch of cookies was another expression of her love for her family.
To know Irene was to know unconditional love. She never sought recognition or praise; her greatest happiness came from caring for others. Whether she was baking cookies, sewing something special, tending to her flowers, or sitting in her chair beside Kathy—who faithfully pulled the wagon carrying their chairs to every game—Irene made everyone around her feel seen, supported, and deeply loved.
More than anything, Irene will be remembered for always showing up. She celebrated every milestone, encouraged every dream, and made each member of her family feel important. Her unwavering presence, generous heart, and quiet acts of kindness created a legacy that will live on for generations.
Although her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in knowing that the love she so freely gave will continue to surround them. The world will be a little less sweet without Irene's cookies, but the love she baked into every batch and stitched into every quilt will warm her family for generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
The family will hold Graveside Services at Mt. Hope Cemetery at noon on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026. The address is 1282 Hawaii Rd, Humboldt, KS 66748. A Celebration of Life will be held that evening from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Milestone Events. The address is 506 Main St, Wellsville, KS 66092; snacks and refreshments will be served and of course cookies!
Keep the fork, The Best is yet to come.
