Kansas City, MO: Irene Marie Dannar of Kansas City, Missouri, unexpectedly passed on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 77.
Irene was born in Harrison County, Missouri on November 27, 1946, to Glenn and Beulah (Blessing) McDaniel. She grew up on a farm and was the eldest sister to Ed McDaniel, Barbara McDaniel, and Roseta McDaniel. Irene attended high school in Albany up until her senior year, then graduated from Bethany High School in 1964. After graduation, she moved to Kansas City to take business courses and work at Kansas City Life Insurance.
She married the love of her life, Wilbur Dean Dannar on May 4, 1969, at the New Hampton Christian Church. They were blessed to enjoy 22 years together before he preceded her in death on November 24, 1991. During that time, they raised two daughters, Sheila Dannar and Corrin Dannar in Lawson, Missouri. Irene loved being a homemaker. She took pride in her garden and home and found joy in cooking for others. She volunteered at her daughter’s schools and was always present at every church, school, and sporting event. Irene was a quiet and calming presence. She never cared who won or lost, only that everyone had snacks, drinks, band aids (if needed) and maybe even a cool washcloth from her neatly packed cooler. Not only in sports, but life in general, Irene was always thinking about what she could provide for others.
After Dean passed, Irene returned to work. She took computer classes at the Excelsior Springs Vocational Technical School to obtain employment though a temporary agency. She was able to build on these skills and eventually went to work for Midwest Medical Specialists in the billing department where she worked for over 25 years. Irene retired in 2020. In her retirement, she enjoyed reading, rooting for the Chiefs and Royals, and making it a priority to attend every school and sporting event for her grandchildren. Her neighborhood community of friends were dear to her and added so much to her full life. Irene always put other’s needs above her own, especially those of her grandkids. Everyone knew they were welcome in her home. She made this known by preparing any requested meal or cleaning up messes in her immaculately kept home, including doll houses and blanket forts. Irene never minded as she always wanted everyone to feel welcome. She will always be remembered for making the world’s best chocolate chip cookies and her love of butter was no secret. Irene was a great example of patience, unconditional love, and perseverance and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her husband, Wilbur Dean, she was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Rosetta McDaniel.
Survivors include her daughters, Corrin Dun and Sheila Dannar; her grandchildren; sister, Barb Morgan and brother, Edward McDaniel.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in the Foster Cemetery, New Hampton, MO. The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial may be made to Foster Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.