| Bio | Voniece Irwin, was known to everyone as "Vonnie." She was the daughter of Milford and Dorothy Klima of Kansas City, was born February 23,1948 in Wichita, KS and departed this life February 7, 2021 in Blue Springs, MO at the age of seventy-two years. She was surrounded by her family.
Vonnie graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, MO May of 1966. While in high school she worked at "Hi-Boy" restaurant in Independence, MO and for Armco Steel cafeteria in Kansas City, MO. She had talent in art and received a scholarship to attend Art school, but instead decided to marry. On July 16, 1966, Vonnie was united in marriage with Ray E. Irwin at the Baptist Church of God in Sugar Creek, MO and had two children. At the time of her death, they had celebrated 54 years of marriage together.
Vonnie moved with her family in 1974 from Independence, MO to Bates City, MO where she lived on 10 acres and enjoyed country life. She then worked for Harmon Electronics in Grain Valley, MO as a wiring/testing product tech. During her time at Harmon as a full-time employee she went to night school and earned her Associate in Arts degree in Business from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO, May 1981.She was then promoted to Purchasing agent/Buyer for the company. A few years later she left Harmon. In 1985 they built a home in Lake Lotawana, MO and changed her position for a better opportunity at DIT-MCO in Kansas City, MO as an electronic buyer for the next 15 years. She worked for Wal-Mart as an Assistant manager and was with Wal-Mart 18 years until her health declined in March 2016.
Vonnie made a profession of faith in Christ at New Liberty Baptist Church, Oak Grove, Mo. November 30th, 1984.
Vonnie was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She had strong work ethic, great leadership qualities, and was highly admired by her coworkers and superiors. She always went the extra mile to exceed the expectations and was "solid as a rock" kind of woman. She was an animated person and was never shy about expressing her views and she could capture anyone's attention. She was an intelligent, fun-loving, joker, caring person that could always make you smile. She fought a 4 year battle of stage 4 lung cancer/COPD, she was a fighter and a most courageous faithful woman. Most importantly she believed in God and that Jesus was her personal savior.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother; Danny L. Klima of Bates City, MO. She is survived by her husband, Ray E. Irwin; two children, daughter, Mandy R. McGarrah and her husband Dwight of Lee's Summit, MO: and a son Ray E. Irwin II of Lee's Summit,MO one brother, Richard Klima (Linda) of Independence, MO, one sister, Donna (John) Denti, Independence, MO; 4 grandchildren, Tyler Irwin of Freehold, NJ, Chase A. Smith of Kansas City, MO, Alexa R. Smock and Mahala N. Smock of Lee's Summit, MO: and many nieces and nephews. |
