Obituary of Irene Piper

Edna “Irene” Piper—much loved stepmother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend—died on October 31, 2022 in Cottleville, Missouri where she moved to be near her stepson. Born on August 8, 1928 in Oolitic, Indiana, Irene was the only daughter of Bertie Alice (Owen) and Harvey Glen Jeffries. After graduating from Oolitic High School in 1946, she went to work at RCA. The majority of Irene’s career, however, was spent at Naval Surface Warfare Center at Crane. Irene was as an accounting clerk for 27 years at Crane before her retirement. Irene married John Ellsworth Piper in Oolitic, Indiana on December 10, 1966. They lived in Bedford, Indiana for 25 years before being separated by death. John and Irene enjoyed camping, attending musical performances, and traveling. Irene was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Bedford, where she belonged to the women’s ministry group, choir, and taught Sunday school. Irene is survived by her stepsons Robert (Mary) Piper of Ballwin, Missouri and James Piper of Franklin, Indiana; granddaughters Kathryn Piper and Samantha (Ian Miller) Piper; and nieces and nephews: Joyce Jeffries of Bloomington, Jim Jeffries of Bloomington, Janna Jeffries Anderson of Sevierville TN, Jon Jeffries of Bedford, Joanne Jeffries Johnson of Oolitic, Calvin Jeffries of Atlanta, GA, Diana Jeffries Daggy of Mitchell, Karen Jeffries Espenant of Nashville, TN, and Dana Jeffries of Monticello, as well as cousins and friends. Her parents, husband, infant daughter Donna Beth Ritchey, and her brothers: Harvey Price, Willard Hershel, and Clifford Loren, preceded her in death. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Lee Brown officiating. Graveside services will follow at Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends can express condolences at www.daycarter.com