Irene Church

Irene Church Irene Church of Monroe, Ore., died Mar. 27 at the age of 88. She was the loving mother of six children, 15 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She was born Sept. 10, 1928, in Allison Heights, Pa., to John and Julia Sularz, Polish immigrants to the United States. She was a telephone operator in her early years. She married Joseph K. Church on Oct. 1, 1949, in Reno, Nev. Her husband died in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her eldest son Ronald J. Church, who died in 2004, and her eldest daughter Kathy M. Church, who died in 1973. Surviving children are Sara Jayne Parker (John) of Monroe, Robin Church-Brandt (Dave) of Salem, Ore., Sandra Young of Salem, and Shawn Church (Diane) of Junction City. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary for many years, was active in senior programs in Monroe and Junction City, and was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Monroe. Above all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was happiest when spending time with her family. She taught them how to love, laugh, work hard, and appreciate the blessings in life. A funeral mass is scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Monroe. Fr. Charles Holden will officiate. Recitation of the rosary will be precede the mass at 8:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the funeral mass at Rest Lawn Memorial Park, and a reception will follow at the St. Rose Parish. Donations may be made in her name to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Murphy-Musgrove Funeral Home in Junction City is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.musgroves.com.