Irene Lillian Kolbet

Jan. 4, 1917 - July 14, 2008

Irene Lillian Kolbet, age 91, died Monday, July 14, 2008 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

She was born Jan. 4, 1917, to Nicholas and Magdalena "Lena" (Giespert) Kolbet at their homestead southeast of the St. Ann Church in Frontier County. She grew up in Hayes County where she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse with her many brothers, sisters and cousins, causing much mayhem and mirth.

She joined the army in November 1942, in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC), assigned to the photography section, and was stationed in Wilmington, N.C., and Orlando, Fla. She was honorably discharged in November of 1945.

She returned to the home farm to live with her mother and sister, Elsie. She worked on the farm raising chickens, cattle and crops. The chickens, her pride and joy, provided eggs or were sold as fryers.

She was active in the St. Ann Church, where she belonged to the Altar Society. She also taught CCD (Catechism of Christian Doctrine) classes for the first through fourth grades and managed sales of St. Ann merchandise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Lena Kolbet; sisters, Bernice Campbell, Emma Campbell, Elsie Kolbet, Sister Mary Everista (Dorothy Kolbet), Fern Palic; brothers, Charles Kolbet, Edward Kolbet, Dave Kolbet, Vernon Kolbet and Oscar Kolbet.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Wanda Kolbet of Moreland, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Rosary will be Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:30 a.m. at rural McCook St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be in St. Ann's Cemetery.

Friends may sign her book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.