Thelma Irene Held, 97, of Lafayette, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, the 75th anniversary of her marriage to Robert C. Held  the love of her life. He passed away July 7, 1987.

She was born August 16, 1920, in Newtown, to the late Sherman and Bertha (McDonald) Luster.

Irene graduated from Newtown High School in Newtown and attended Central Normal College in Danville.

Irene worked as a Assistant Bookkeeper for Tippecanoe School Corporation from 1966 until her retirement in 1982.

She was a member of Community Reformed Church and enjoyed spending time with her family and church family as well as sewing, cooking, reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, watching the Chicago Cubs and traveling. Irene will be remembered for her smile and her love of life.

Surviving are two daughters, Judy O'Maley of Romney, and Suella Kovich (husband Joseph) of Columbia City, OR; four grandchildren, Thomas Kovich (wife Beth) and Timothy Kovich (wife Jodel) both of Washington State, Jennifer Howerton (husband Jason) of Michigan and Corey O’Maley (Christy) of Crawfordsville; and six great grandchildren, Sarah, Amy, Kilene, Ashton, Ryan and Reid. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by two sisters, Bernice L. Keller and Georgia M. Gick, a brother, Hubert L. Luster and a son-in-law, James O’Maley.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Monday, June 25, at Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Lafayette Chapel.

Irene’s Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909 with Rev Dale Buettner officiating. Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.

Those wishing may contribute in Irene’s name to either, Community Reformed Church, Franciscan Hospice Care Lafayette or Caregiver Companions.

The family would like to thank the Franciscan Hospice Care team for all their help.