Irene Kathleen Bilbrey

Irene Kathleen Bilbrey, age 91, of Roann, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Parkview Hospital in Auburn, Indiana.

Irene was born on November 6, 1931, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, the daughter of the late Herman and Lila (Brown) Rose.  She married Comer Bilbrey in Fortville, Indiana on December 29, 1956, and he preceded her in death on October 16, 2010.

Irene was a CNA at the Marion VA Hospital until her retirement.  She was a member of the Emmanuel Freewill Baptist Church in Wabash.  Irene loved God and her large loving family.  She was always ready with a joke and loved to play BINGO.  She was a very giving person who took delight in finding useful and fun items for each family member. She always kept a treasure box full of toys at the house so when her grandchildren came to visit she could give them a toy out of it.  She took much joy in watching the excitement in the children’s faces.

She is survived by a son, Donald (Kathleen) Franks; a daughter, Tamara Rish; a sister, Betty Raifsnider;  a brother, Bud Rose; 18 grandchildren, and over 50 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Tony Franks; three sons, Earl Lee Franks, Richard Paul Franks, and Jay Bilbrey; and three brothers, Cecil Rose, Everett Rose and Darrell Rose; and a sister, Charlotte Vanderstilt.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Terry Hinds officiating.

Burial will follow funeral services in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Marion (Huntington County), Indiana.

Memorial contributions can be made to Gilead Ministries, 212 N. Baldwin Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46952.

Online condolences and memories for the family can be shared at www.ravenchoate.com

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