Irene Candy, the daughter of Frank and Ethel (Philipburger) Lee was born on February 7, 1926, in Harrison, Arkansas. She passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Red Oak Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 98 years, 11 months, and 6 days.

Irene lived and worked with her family on their cotton farm in Harrison, Arkansas. She self-taught herself how to read and write. Every Sunday and Wednesday, Irene would jump in the back of her dad's pickup with her siblings and go down to the Little White Church, where she sang in the choir with her sister. They moved to Oklahoma briefly, then to Oregon State. Irene was united in marriage to John Anderson when she was 16 years old. To this union her only child, Lynda, was born. Irene was later united in marriage to Jim Candy. Irene worked for many years as a housekeeper in hospitals. She loved being a mom, and when she became a grandma, that was exciting to her and the love flowed deeply. Irene received a permanent back injury in 1993, while working at the hospital. She moved to Iowa with her daughter in 1994, to be closer to the grandkids and was more economical to live. Irene loved fishing, and the summertime; she was famous at all the family gatherings for her banana pudding. Irene was both surprised and happy when she became a great-grandma, and even more thrilled to become a great-great-grandma. She and Lynda moved back to Oregon around 2007, and lived there till 2017, when she returned to Iowa. Irene shined being the best grandma, praying for and loving all generations. She was a sweet and kind lady who, even on hard days, never complained. Irene was always polite and grateful for everything. She touched many hearts and lives, and no one was a stranger for long. When she met you, she would say, "you can call me Grandma Candy" and with that, she was grandma. Irene liked to listen to old time gospel music and reminisce of old times jumping into her dad's pickup and singing in the choir. Irene loved Jesus very much and she prayed for everyone every night. She often said, "I know Jesus and I know where I'm going." God has a plan, and this is to celebrate a beautiful lady who loved deeply and was deeply loved. She is with Jesus now!

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; daughter, Lynda Lee Reddon; sister, Audrey Sparks; and brothers: Loyd Lee, Carl Lee, and Loyal Lee.

Irene is survived by 4 grandchildren: Jerry Nelson, Jr. of Longview, WA, Sherrie (Gary) Bourrette of Red Oak, IA, Tomas Schlickeiser of Oregon, and Rebecca (Joe) Zuckmen of Roseburg, OR; 7 great-grandchildren: Prescilla Kirkpatrick of Maryville, MO, William (Amber) Kirkpatrick of Clarinda, IA, Samuel (Kourtnee) Kirkpatrick of Westboro, MO, Matthew (Sierra) Kirkpatrick of Trinidad, CO, Lexy Kerr of Roseburg, OR, Andrea (Matthew) Hilson of KY, and Jerry Nelson, III; 15 great-great-grandchildren: Morgan and David Shaw, Baileigh Crouse, Rosealynn (Button) Kirkpatrick, Ivan Kirkpatrick, Jayden Pucket, Autumn Pearson, Isaac Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Aiden Blake, Everett Kirkpatrick, Cecelia Kirkpatrick, Johnathon Kerr, Malakai Hilson and Nnyomi Hilson; other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those mourn.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
At Faith Community Church, Red Oak, Iowa

Memorials may be directed to Faith Community Church Kids programs.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Irene's arrangements and serving her family.