Irene Virginia (Halbert) Richards

Irene Virginia Richards, nee Halbert, of Steelville, Missouri passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 surrounded by her family at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 30 days. She was born November 8, 1932 in Steelville to Warfel “Jake” Halbert and Dora May Causey Halbert. Irene was united in marriage to Lawrence P. Richards on September 15, 1951 and to this union two sons and three daughters were born.

She was employed at Paramount Cap in Bourbon for a number of years. Irene attended the Baptist Church at Leasburg for several years.

Irene was very involved in the VFW Auxiliary #6479 and #6999 since 1972 and up until #6479  when it closed down in 2011. She was President in Steelville, Cuba and Potosi off and on from 1977-78, 1983-1983, 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 she was President of District 8.  She was also State Flag bearer from 1978-1979, National Home chairperson 1979-1980, State Association conductor from 1987-1988 and President of the American Legion #601 for one year.

Irene always enjoyed listening to different groups who sang bluegrass and gospel in the area. Most of all she dearly loved her family.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Dora Halbert; one daughter, Barbara Reel; one brother, Albert (Erma) Halbert; two sisters, Esther (Tom) Donal and Cleo (Doug Jr.) King; and one grandson Jess Presser.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons, Larry (Rhonda) Richards of Cedar Bluff, AL and Ronnie Richards of Springfield, MO  and two daughters, Donna (Ronald) Limberg of Owensville, MO and Sandra Presser of Albertville, AL;  son-in-law, Dwight Reel of Springfield, MO; one brother, Gean Halbert of Steelville, MO; one sister, Lois (Jack) Anderson of Bolivar, MO;  24 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; special grand-daughter Melissa Stroupe; special great-great-granddaughter, Hannah Starbeck; special nephew, Terry Halbert; other relatives; and friends.

The Family received friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.                                                                                                                   

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of "You Are My Sunshine", "Dancing in the Sky", "Amazing Grace" was played and "Go Rest High" was sung by Rev. Jerry Beers and played on guitar by him and on mandolin by Ron Limberg.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Westover Cemetery, Steelville, MO.

Memorials may be given in Irene’s name to Westover Cemetery in care of Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.

Honored to be casket bearers were Chris Garrett, Blake Henry, Hunter Starbeck, Justin King, Dave Beel, Chance Tapp, John Richards, Tim Brown, Nathan Richards, Austin Garrett, Zackary Stiefel and Dorain Halbert with Terry Halbert as honorary.

The Richards Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irene Virginia (Halbert) Richards, please visit our floral store.