Irene was born February 12, 1923, in Curtis, OK, to Ralph and Eva (Weiszbrod) Fields. She was one of ten children of which two passed away in infancy. Irene attended Curtis Public School and graduated from high school in Moreland, OK, in 1940.

Irene married Leon Starr in Woodward, OK, on April 17, 1941. In November of 1946, they moved to a ranch south of Lantry, SD. They had no phone or electricity but Irene said they had running water, (run to the bottom of the hill to get it and then run back up the hill, packing it!)

In November of 1961, Leon and Irene moved to the Hertel Place, two and one half miles southwest of Dupree.

Irene was a member of the Young Homemakers Extension Club at Lantry and the Merifu Extension Club in Dupree. Irene and Leon were assistant 4-H leaders and supporters of the Rock and Ride Saddle Club. Irene was a member and officer of the Rebekah Lodge in Dupree. She attended the United Church of Christ while in Dupree and taught UCC release time classes for many years. Irene was one of five incorporating members of the Dupree Senior Center. Her favorite past-times were quilting with the UCC Women's Fellowship and crocheting for family. Irene was an excellent card player and enjoyed many games with family and friends.

On June 10, 1995, Irene moved into Dupree and in June of 2012, she moved to Heritage Acres in Sturgis where she loved dining with friends and playing the card game, Golf.

Irene Lois Starr, 89, Sturgis and formerly of Dupree, died Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the Lippold Hospice Suite of the Sturgis Regional Hospital.

Survivors include three sons and their wives, Vernon (Sue) Dupree, SD, A.J. (Glenda) Dupree, SD, and Lester (Debbie) Sturgis, SD; eleven grandchildren; twentyone great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three brothers, Bill Fields, Sturgis, Bob Fields, Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, and Ron Fields, Washington, AR; and one sister, Verla Barker, Lincoln, AR.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon in 1990; daughter, Leota in 1970; son-in-law, Bruce Birkeland; brother, Leon "Bud" Fields; sisters, Doris (Fields) Starr and Betty (Fields) Richardson; one infant brother; and one infant sister.

Irene's family is grateful for the care of the seventh floor nursing staff at Rapid City Regional Hospital and Hospice of the Northern Hills in
Sturgis.

Memorials have been established to the United Church of Christ in Dupree and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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