Ethel Jordan Irby

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Susan Fenner of Austin; her stepchildren, James Irby, Les Irby, Kay Quitter, and their families; her sister, Lois Fromyer of Annapolis, and her family; her grandchildren, John Fenner (Meredith), Joseph Fenner, Jennifer Parks, and Emily Parks, all of Austin; and her great-grandchildren, Damien Fenner and Morgan Fenner. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Speck; her second husband, Andrew James Irby; her son, Thomas Speck; her daughter, Rebecca Parks; and her sister, Jessie Miller.

Ethel was born on December 14, 1920 in Arthur, Utah to Thomas & Ethel Jordan. She graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. She was married to Roy Speck from July 31, 1943 until his passing in 1982, and they lived in California, Tennessee, Virginia, and Lamesa and Weslaco, TX before settling in Austin in 1962. After moving to Austin, Ethel worked for Texas Parks & Wildlife until her retirement. She was married to Andrew "Jim" Irby from April 20, 1991 until his passing in 2002.

Ethel was an enthusiastic traveler who delighted in her trips to England and Australia, among other destinations. She was an active and dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Austin and sang for many years in the church choir. Her family remembers her as a kind, strong, and gentle person; she was much-loved in life and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Austin (901 Trinity Street). All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ethel's life.