Irene Ethel Wells “Reenie-Butt”, died peacefully while surrounded by family at Hidden Springs Assisted Living on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Born in Guymon, Oklahoma on August 8, 1933, her life was characterized by her love for Christ and others. She spent her life serving Christ as a youth leader, choir member, and prayer warrior at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manassas, Virginia where she lived for nearly fifty years. Here, her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for others led her to open a craft and framing arts store, which she successfully owned and operated for more than 20 years.
Always a beacon of positivity, Irene was the proverbial glue that held the family together. She laughed often and always saw the best in everyone. Her sense of humor enriched the lives of those around her and inspired happiness in even the most troubled of times. She brought endless joy to her grandchildren with frequent trips into the ball pit at play centers, white water rafting trips, and even driving lessons. Irene brightened every room she walked into with her wonderful sense of humor and warm conversations.
Though we know she is now joyfully at home with Christ, we deeply miss her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Burnis Wells, her daughter, Tina Kimble and her three brothers, Don Dow, Delmer Dow and Jerry Dow. Irene is survived by her two children, Denise Katsarelis and Steve Wells their spouses, Harry Katsarelis, Peggy Wells and Mike Kimble as well as ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 1 PM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal. Burial will follow at Bright View Cemetery, Warrenton, Virginia.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853, https://lakewalescarecenter.com/.
Rest In Peace, dear Irene. We will miss you but look forward to a grand reunion one day with you and the Lord.
Irene was a very special person and I hold wonderful memories of her and I together. I am so grateful 😇 that she entered into my life and shared so much of herself with me. I will always love her.
GiGi, you were always so kind to me and I’ll never forget the love you showed me growing up. Your smile lit up the room. You were loved by so many and will be truly missed. Rest peacefully my sweet grandmother. Love you
We will always remember our friendship and fun we had over the years with Irene and Burnice.
Irene was such a beautiful lady inside and out. She adored her family and had such a strong faith in God.
Her legacy is love, kindness and faith.
We will miss you Dear Friend.
Always my mom and forever my best friend too, no words can express my sorrow and how much I will miss you. You taught me so much about life, and how to keep a positive outlook no matter what the circumstances might be. I loved working with you and our many years learning and teaching crafts at the Craftreehouse, our many trips we took—everything you did and everywhere you went you went your “son shine” (Christ centered) life (with humor) was always present.
Say hello to Tina, Judy, Alice & all our other relatives that are in heaven, I look forward to being reunited with you one day😇!