Irene May Doane

Irene May Doane was born on March 16, 1931, to Laverne and Ethel (Labadie) Stull.

Irene was raised and attended school in the small village of Millet, Michigan on the outskirts of Lansing. In her youth, she was a daredevil and few things frightened her, except water. She took swimming lessons as an adult and was able to enjoy the beach with her children. Irene loved to dance, whether it be social, tap or on her roller skates. She was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting and ceramics.

Irene met her husband, John, at the Methodist Church youth group. Their friendship started in 8th grade when John bid on her boxed lunch at the church social. That relationship continued until their wedding day on July 3, 1948 and continued for the next 68 years of their marriage.

For the first 6 years of their life together, Irene and John lived in a 16-foot camping trailer, with two small children, traveling around the state of Michigan as John pursued his career with the Michigan Department of Transportation. In 1954 they settled in Lowell Township. Many times, Irene would say about her home in Lowell, “that was the first house I lived in that had running water”. Irene raised five children and was a committed wife and hard-working mother and homemaker. Irene and John enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada in during retirement years.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, John, a son, John, her parents, a brother, Richard Stull and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Stull. Irene is survived by her children, Vickie (Dennis) Drougel of Grandville, Ann (Louis) Switlik of Kentwood, Jim (Linda) Doane of Lowell, and Bill (Heather) Doane of Lowell; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Private family memorial services are being held. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider a contribution in Irene’s memory to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr., SW, Byron Center, Michigan 49305, faithhospicecare.org/donate, or The Cure Starts Now, Pediatric Cancer Center, 10280 Chester Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215, thesurestartsnow.org/donate or Lowell Pink Arrow Pride, c/o Lowell Community Wellness, P.O. Box 246, Lowell, Michigan 49331. For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com, who is caring for the arrangements.