Irene M. McWhorter's Obituary
Irene M. McWhorter, age 96 of Dupo, IL passed peacefully into eternal life on February 19, 2021 at
Mercy South Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Irene was born on May 3, 1924 in Ziegenhals, Germany to Alfred and Maria Schendzielorz, who
preceded her in death. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in Ziegenhals and made First
Communion at St. Joseph’s Church, St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Central High School, St. Louis, MO
in 1942. She was united in marriage to Leroy E. McWhorter on July 17, 1943 in St. Louis, MO. She &
Leroy were married for 61 years. He preceded her in death, in February 2005. They raised 3 children,
Steve (Michele) McWhorter, Rick (Ruth) McWhorter and Carol (Tom) Truby. Her beloved daughter Carol
preceded her in death in November 2019. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Carl, her
sister, Anna and a granddaughter, Jill Ann McWhorter. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Dupo, IL.
Irene is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Jeff (Laurin) McWhorter, Jenny (Rick) Peterson, Jason
(Elizabeth) McWhorter, Tami McWhorter, Laurie (George Austin) McWhorter, Lindsey Ratterman and
Katie Ratterman. She has 13 great grandchildren, Rachel (David) and Tyler (Kelsey) McWhorter, Tristan
and Gage Ratterman, Aleaha and Alivia Peterson, Kayla and Zach Jones, Jack and Lily Scott, Annalie and
Luke McWhorter and Dru Austin . She is also survived by a niece Judy (Ralph) Goin, and many devoted
friends, Mary Ann, Mary C., Father Linus, Joan & Butch, Vince, Mary B, Don, Norma and Rose.
Irene worked as a secretary, billing machine operator, key punch operator and in sales and real estate.
She was a member of the German Cultural Society in St. Louis. She was a devoted volunteer in her
retirement years working for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program orchestra wives, Sacred Heart
Parish Women’s Club, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Thrift Store, Bria nursing home ministry
program, Boy Scouts of America. Her heart belonged to her doggy, Lucy, who she rescued from a
shelter and they were devoted companions for many years. Her hobbies included fishing, boating,
ballroom and line dancing and she raised Pomeranian puppies for many years.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16th, 4-7 pm at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, IL. A private
mass will be held on Wednesday, March 17th, 10 am at Sacred Heart Church in Dupo, IL followed by
burial in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 11:15 am.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church, Dupo, IL, Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Louis, MO
or Belleville-East St Louis Council Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Irene will always be remembered as the example of strength who was a devoted wife, mother,
grandmother and friend. She had a heart of service and compassion for others. Her love of life and
positive outlook will continue to live on in all of us who knew and loved her.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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