Irene Ora Masters

Herrin- Irene Ora Masters, 88, of Herrin, passed away at 7:45 PM, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Irene was born on January 22, 1922 in Brownwood, MO to Fred Filmore & Mary Frances (Porter) Nash. She married Maurice Frances Red Masters on July 23, 1938 in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1988. Irene and Red spent the early years of their marriage in St. Louis. Irene was a homemaker and Red was employed by Allen Industries. Red also had a country & western band and hosted his own radio show and appeared on local TV. The family moved to Herrin in 1957 when Allens relocated to Herrin. They enjoyed fifty years of marriage. Irene took tremendous pride in her home, family and cooking for her grandchildren. Some of her greatest joys were times spent travelling and shopping with her daughters. She will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Shawnee Christian Nursing Center and the Angels of the Hospice of Southern Illinois Blue Team for the care and compassion they received. The family appreciates all you have done to make this journey easier. Survivors include- Daughter- Maureen Wanstreet of Energy Son- Fred Masters and wife Diana of St. Louis Daughter- Linda Vinson and husband Carl of Energy Six Grandchildren: Mike Venegoni & wife Linda Greg Wanstreet & wife Candy Brian Masters Jennifer Masters Eric Vinson & wife Mary Beth Ryan Vinson Five Great Grandchildren: Jessica Parvin and husband Travis Michelle Venegoni Kiya Masters Gabe Vinson Lucy Vinson Two Great Great Grandchildren- Madyson Miller & Wesley Parvin Sister- Myrtle Cobb of Mattoon She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, great great grandchild- Moira Vinson, sisters- Pearl, Laura & Nora Nash, Goldie Taylor & Hazel Arendale, brothers- George, John, Freeman and Raymond Nash and Clyde Allen Perry and Mary Grace. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Ralph Swarthout will officiate. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St. / Herrin, IL 62948.