Irene Marie Roling Bathurst

Irene Marie Roling Bathurst, age 89, of Storm Lake, IA, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014, at North Lake Manor in Storm Lake. Irene was born on October 13, 1925, to Walter and Anna (Brink) Kaiser in Arion, IA. Irene attended Charter Oak grade school and graduated from Denison High School with her teaching certificate.

In 1944, Irene was married to Donald Roling Sr. in Early, IA. This union was blessed with five children: Jeanne, Don, Cheryl, Pat, and Darlene. The family made their home in Early. Donald and Irene had shared 40 years together when Don passed away in 1984. In 2001, Irene married Samuel Bathurst, whom had been a longtime family friend.

Irene had always had an interest in history and after the assassination of President Kennedy she wrote a letter of sympathy to the president’s widow and received a reply back with an autographed photo of the President and his wife. After that, the interest snowballed and she began collecting all presidential memorabilia. Storing all of these collectibles became a problem, so her husband Don built her a small building in the backyard to keep her things in. This building became known as the Ye Little White House. Irene was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Guild and Catholic Daughters at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. She enjoyed being a den mother for the Boy Scout troop and a Girl Scout leader in Early. Irene also enjoyed bird watching, traveling, casinos, and playing bingo.

Survivors include her daughters: Jeanne Jones of Bettendorf, IA, Cheryl Purvis of Newell, IA, Pat (William) Purvis of Early, IA, and Darlene (Robert) Noll of Early, IA; her son Don Jr. (Elaine) Roling from Sioux Rapids, IA; sisters-in-law: Alice Roling of North Lake Manor and Waldean Hargis of Creston, IA; grandchildren: Tamara Knapp, Pat Jones, Alyssa Milton, Angela Palmer, Jeremy Roling, Sherry Myott, Robert Purvis, Wesley Purvis, Jennifer Purvis, Allen Purvis, and Heidi Noll; nineteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Irene Marie Roling Bathurst, age 89, of Storm Lake, IA, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014, at North Lake Manor in Storm Lake. Irene was born on October 13, 1925, to Walter and Anna (Brink) Kaiser in Arion, IA. Irene attended Charter Oak grade school and graduated from Denison High School with her teaching certificate.