Ethel Irene Hart passed away on November 7, 2022.

On Monday November 7, 2022, Ethel Irene Hart passed away at her home in Cottage Grove, OR, due to a stroke. Irene was born to James and Helen Loos on November 8, 1933, in Sugar Creek, Missouri, the youngest of five children. Siblings were John Loos, Alma Loos Baker, Frances Loos Wills and James Loos Jr. all deceased. Irene married Julius William Hart in April of 1952, in Kansas City MO, they divorced in 1989.  Irene married Duane C. Meulners in 1996, they divorced in 2017.

Irene is survived by two daughters, Julie (Tom) Johns and Susan I. Hart, both of Cottage Grove.  Irene had three grandchildren Thomas Jacob Johns, Farren Leanne Johns of Eugene and Tayler Michelle Doty of Portland, and one great-grand child, Thomas Lyric Mathis whom she loved dearly.  Irene also had many nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Toots”.

Irene loved to cook and bake and always had delicious treats during the holidays.  She specialized in Hungarian and Polish dishes. She loved spending time with family and friends especially over a wonderful meal she had prepared for everyone.

Irene also had a variety of careers throughout her life. Beginning when she was a teenager as a clerk in a Kansas City furniture store, Vice President of San Gorgonio Savings & Loan in Banning, CA, to the City Recorder of Glendale, Oregon, as well as self-employment with various businesses.  She had a sharp mind and excellent math skills with a desire to always learn more which gave her the ability to ascend to positions that were uncommon for women at the time.   

A Celebration of Life is planned and the date will be announced later. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.