Irene L. Begole, 86, of Caseyville, Ill., born Feb. 20, 1926, in Collinsville, Ill., died at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.



Mrs. Begole was a 1944 graduate of Collinsville High School and was employed by A.G. Edwards in St. Louis, Mo., before she married Clarence on March 14, 1953, at First Baptist Church in Collinsville. She devoted her life to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Irene loved to travel and especially enjoyed her trips to Europe and Florida.



Gardening was also a passion. A life-long member of First Baptist Church in Collinsville, she taught Sunday School, served as a leader in Pioneer Girls, was active in her mission circle, and many other programs. She was a member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau Women's Committee and also served as president.



She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Martha Jane, nee Dorlite, DeMatties; and a sister, Jean Alice Crooks.



Surviving are her loving husband of 59 years, Clarence Begole of Caseyville, Ill.; children, Linda (Kenneth) Murray of Caseyville, Ill., and Alan Begole of Lebanon, Ill.; and her grandchildren, Mark (Jill) Murray of Swansea, Ill., and Ryan Murray and Megan Murray of Caseyville, Ill.



The family would like to thank the staff of Cedar Ridge in Lebanon, Ill. for their compassionate loving care.



Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Collinsville, First Baptist Church Mission Fund or Bethel Cemetery Care Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com



Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, at First Baptist Church, Collinsville, Ill.



Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Greg Pratt officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery, Caseyville, Ill.