Irene Ruth Kinnee

Irene Ruth Kinnee, 84 of Lenoir, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 26th after a period of declining health. Born in Cook County, IL on December 23, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William Halverson and Irene Ruth Kohl Halverson.

Irene was a compassionate person with a kind heart. She never met a stranger, even when lost she would knock on someone’s door to figure out how to get where she needed to go, and was always there with a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

In her younger years she worked in a Jewish delicatessen, was a waitress for the Rock Store in Cornell, CA, and delivered the LA Times newspaper for years. Later in life she went to college to become a draftsman for Litton encoder division. She loved having her mini farm, showing the grandkids all about the animals, even taking them to school for show-and-tell, spending most of the day so all classes could see and touch the sheep, turkeys, goats. Before and after she retired, Irene loved taking care of her grandchildren. After retiring, she worked for Cognitive Connection Driving which she loved to do and they loved her.

Irene also had several hobbies including sewing and crafting things for people she loved. Irene was an avid coffee drinker and enjoyed hanging out with friends, family and new acquaintances.

She loved to travel, driving her land-yacht with her first dog Lady then her second dog Penny to California and Georgia to see her kids and grandchildren. Her favorite saying was “Not all who wander are lost”. She is wandering around in a body that does not hurt, in a place that is perfect and more amazing than any of us can only imagine. Hopefully we will all see her at the next exit “Heaven” of course.

Irene is survived by Karen Wyatt and husband Richard Wyatt of the home, Hazel Kinnee of Hiram Ga, Patricia McGregor and Paul Becker of Lancaster Ca. Kenneth Kinnee of Canoga Park Ca.

Grandchildren Rebecca DeVoe and Husband Bill DeVoe of Sylva NC, Justin Kinnee and wife Marianna Kinnee of Power Springs Ga, Eric Kinnee of Las Vegas NV, Christopher Kinnee of Columbus OH, Nicholas Izzo Of Rockmart Ga and Cody Kinnee of Largo Fl.

Great grandchildren Reagan DeVoe of Sylva NC, Maria and Eva Kinnee of Power Springs Ga.

 In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her only sibling William “Bill” Halverson.

Irene was a member of Summit Community Church in Morganton NC.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the church located at 407 S. Green St, Morganton, NC 28655.