Irene Gittinger

Irene Gittinger, age 90, stepped forth from her Earthly home on June 12, 2023. While the void she leaves is vast, she is not part of the past.  Irene, no longer bound by body or disease, continues her journey as a conduit of love uniting those of us who mourn with family who has gone before.  In death, as in life, she remains the matriarch who gently calls together the family to which she devoted her life.

Irene was a quilter in spirit, not merely skill and craft. While many can quilt with fabric, finding the pattern and symmetry within the pieces of life is a special gift. Irene used threads of love to stitch together the people, places, and events of 90 years. Within the folds of her quilt is a place for all and a connection between all. In Irene’s quilt, there is unconditional love and space; space to dance, laugh, celebrate, struggle, endure, weep, and mourn.  

Irene, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Weis) Gebhards, was born in Weskan, Kansas, on April 6, 1933.  She spent her childhood working, playing, and pranking her four siblings on the family farm in Weskan. Her expansive heart, deep roots, and ability to yield to the storms of life and recover are reminiscent of the prairie she loved. 

Irene married Robert Gittinger, the love of her life, on August 15, 1954.  The couple moved to Goodland, where they had four children. In 1973 the family moved to Kismet when Robert took a position at the Liberal Area VoTech. 

In addition to quilting, Irene enjoyed baking, birding, gardening, and genealogy. The family always looked forward to her latest cookie and the newest story she had stumbled upon from the family tree.  A hummingbird sighting will always bring a smile as we recall how she delighted in them.

 Throughout her life, Irene was a wife and mother devoted to her family, the counted-on neighbor, the trusted friend, the cherished mother-in-law, and the adored grandma who was always ready with a project and a soda float.  

Irene moved to Goodland, KS, in 2014, where she resided at Wheat Ridge Acres. In 2019, Irene moved to Coffeyville, KS, and resided at Medicalodge until she was called to her eternal home.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Her 4 children survive Irene; Kendall Gittinger and wife Marilyn of Hays, KS; Bob Gittinger and wife Catina of Goodland, KS;  Mona Gittinger of Coffeyville, KS; Kurt Gittinger and wife Susan of Overland Park, KS.; 8 grandchildren: Amanda Gittinger, Aaron Gittinger, Tim Gittinger, Rachel Gittinger, Anne Gittinger, Jamie Gittinger, Abbie Gittinger, Jesse Rine; 3 great-grandchildren: Aiden Gittinger, Ivy Gittinger, Betsy Gittinger; 1 great-grandchild soon make his debut.

Memorials in honor of Irene may be designated to the Kismet Senior Center, Fort Wallace Historical Society or Alzheimers’ Association and may be left at the services or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com

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