Irene Allmaras

Irene W. Allmaras was born September 14, 1929 in Towner, North Dakota to Roy and Betsy Jones. Her family included three sisters and two brothers. She attended Towner Public School and graduated in 1947. Her interest in hair styling inspired her to attend Security Beauty School in Grand Forks, North Dakota. After graduating, she moved closer to home where she worked at a beauty shop in Minot, North Dakota.

It was in Minot where Irene met Tom Allmaras through and introduction while dining with friends. This encounter blossomed into a relationship where they celebrated their wedding date of November 29 for 60 years in 2012. Tom passed away on May 9, 2012.

They have 4 children: Michael (Marsha) of Grand Forks, ND, Beverly (Mark) of Sun City West, AZ, Mary (Dan) who preceded them in death in 2008, and Mark (Nenita) of Waterloo, IN.

The family attended St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton, ND where they lived for 25 years. They spent many summers with family and friends at their lake home on Ottertail Lake in Minnesota. After retiring, Irene and Tom spent most winters in Sun City, AZ.

They have been blessed with 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; along with Scott, Zona, Carolyn and Elyse Mielke who are their 'Arizona adopted' family.

Irene's sewing skills provided her daughters with dresses for proms and weddings. She excelled in crafts and arts of all kinds. Her witty humor was a trademark. She never turned down a chance to play cards or a game with her grandchildren and friends.

Irene was blessed to live a full and rich life. She passed away on October 1, 2022 at Royal Oaks Care Center in Sun City, AZ. She lived a fulfilling life in Royal Oaks apartments for 10 years.

Burial is at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ alongside her husband Thomas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Allmaras family.