Irene Beller, 91

Irene Beller, 91, passed away peacefully Jan. 4, 2021, at her home in Libby, where she had been with all of her loving children the previous week. She was born April 4, 1929, in Durant, Okla., to Travis and Lucy (Chandler) Wilkerson.

Irene was a high school graduate and was a highly skilled basketball player. She was awarded a full-ride basketball scholarship, but did not attend college.

Irene married Ernest Eugene Beller on Oct. 2, 1946, in Grayson County, Texas. She and Ernie lived in Libby for several years until 2005. In 2018, she moved back to Libby with her daughter and son-in-law.

She worked at the Mardi Gras Lanes bowling alley in the 1960s and ’70s. Irene was heavily involved in PTA while her kids were in grade school. She was a lifelong member of the Southern Baptist Church and shared her faith with all.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Eugene Beller; grandson, Ryan Beller; sisters, Eva Mae and Maggie; brother, Travis; sister, Bill (real name Willie Earlene); brothers, J. Hugh and J.R.; sister, Juanita; and daughter-in-law, Barbara.

Survivors include her sister, Willena Cunningham of Perry, Okla.; children, Ernest Dwight Beller (Linda) of Mansfield, Mo., Denis Eugene Beller (Judy) of Las Vegas, Travis Lester Beller of Libby, Robert Hugh Beller (Barbara Ann) of Three Forks and Bonita Kaye “Susie” Meadows (Gary) of Libby; grandchildren, Scott, David, Timothy, Melinda, Travis, Autumn, Barbara, Tyler and Lance; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She brought tremendous joy to her nieces and nephews — many of whom thought of her as their second mom — to her grandchildren and to her other family and friends. In her last days, Irene, who had a huge presence in the lives of so many she touched, asked her children to give her love to all her family and friends.

Irene’s children will hold a celebration of her life in Libby at a later date, when it is safer to gather.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.