Irene Mae Steward

Irene Mae Steward, age 96, passed away on April 30th at her home at GreenFields of Geneva with her loving family by her side. She was born March 22, 1929, on a farm near Jefferson, Iowa, the daughter of Wilford and Florence (Kinney) Baker.

Irene worked most of her adult life and also enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She was an excellent bridge player, a top notch bowler and learned golf in her later years. She gave many hours of volunteer service, particularly to her church and a local food pantry. She was an animal lover and was rarely seen without her dog Casey by her side. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She lived most of her life in Marshalltown, Iowa, before moving to Sycamore, IL, to be near her daughters.  

Irene is survived by her daughters Diane (Roger) Gallentine of Geneva and Donna (Jim Wahl) Ellis of Tinley Park, grandchildren Ryan and Susan Gallentine, and Andrew and Peter Wahl; great grandchildren Aubrey, Luke, and Clara Wahl and Chase Gallentine; siblings Beverly (Robert) Darnell of Florida, Bernard (Nancy) Baker of Minnesota and Loren (Joyce) Baker of Minnesota; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers Amandis, John, and David Baker; her first husband Harry Ellis, who passed away in 1962; her second husband Donald Steward, who passed away in 1983; and her special friend John Preece, who passed away in 2009. 

A visitation for Irene will be held Sunday, May 4th from 2-5 p.m. at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva. The funeral will be held on Monday, May 5th at 1 p.m. also at Malone Funeral Home with Reverend John Reimer officiating.

Burial will be held Tuesday, May 6th at 2:00 pm at Rose Hill Memorial Cemetery in Marshalltown, Iowa. A short graveside service will take place; friends and relatives are invited to attend.

For those who wish to honor Irene’s memory, you may send flowers to the funeral home or make a contribution in lieu of flowers to a favorite charity such as: Tails Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Rd., DeKalb, IL, 60115, tailshumanesociety.org, 815-758-2457 or The Emergency Food Box, 107 N. First Street, Marshalltown, Iowa, 50158, 641-753-2801.

For more information call 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.

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