OLNEY – Irene (Essary) Phelps, 88, of Olney, IL, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Olney in Olney, IL. She was born on March 1, 1937, in Dale, IL, to Ralph & “Doll” Essary. On February 15, 1956, she married William “Bill” Cletus Phelps, who survives.
Irene worked in retail sales at several stores for many years. She enjoyed spending time with friends and telling funny stories. She loved camping, and her favorite hobby was watching her great-granddaughters play sports.
Irene is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Phelps of Olney, IL; 2 sons, Tony (Barb) Phelps of Bolivar, MO, and Stewart (Cindy) Phelps of Broughton, IL; a daughter, Billi (Rodney) Gordon of Macon, GA; 3 grandchildren, Chasiti (Roger) Phelps, Cara (Josh) Jones, and Steven Phelps; 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph & “Doll” Essary; a granddaughter, Stephanie Phelps; a brother, Ray Essary; and 3 sisters, Josephine Maulding, Betty Stout, and Norma Toothman.
Funeral services for Irene (Essary) Phelps will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor John Hefner officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Interment will take place at a later date at Digby Hill Cemetery in Dale, IL.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.
