Vera Jean Irwin, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, age 86, of Muncie, passed away January 31, 2012. She was born October 5, 1925 in Muncie to Robert W. and Ina M. (Heaton) Stradling. Vera graduated from Royerton High School with the Class of 1943 and was a lifelong resident and farmer in Delaware County. After raising her children she gave piano lessons for 17 years. Vera married Gene L. Irwin on November 3, 1944 in Cowan, IN. They lived on the family farm near Eaton for over 60 years, before moving to Muncie in 2006. She and Gene celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary a few months ago with a drive through northern Indiana during Fall Harvest time, a favorite pastime of theirs.
Vera enjoyed gardening, crocheting, quilting, spending time with her family and playing piano and organ, which she did for many years and for several different churches. She and Gene have been members of the Eden United Church of Christ for over 80 years. She was also a member of the Merry Misses Home Ec. Club.
Vera is survived by her loving husband, Gene; daughters Karen Wallace of Columbus, IN and Julie Barker (husband Joe) of Muncie; son Don Irwin (wife Sandy) of Concord, NC; grandchildren, Craig Wallace of Columbus, IN, Jeanette FitzGerald (husband Tim) of Fishers, IN, Joshua and Jared Barker of Muncie, and Michelle and Marc Irwin of Concord, NC; great grandchildren, Brady and Shea FitzGerald of Fishers and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lois O''Dell, and granddaughter Teresa Jean Wallace.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd. 3, Muncie 47303 with Pastor Paul Reeder officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and on Friday from 10:00 AM until service time. The family requests Memorial Contributions to the charity of the donor''s choice.