Irene Shay

Juanita Irene Shay, 86, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. She was born August 6, 1929 in Fredonia, the daughter of Frank Edgar and Barbara Ella (Atwell) Palmer. Irene was a 1947 graduate of Fredonia High School and attended secretarial school in Wichita. On February 8, 1965 in Fredonia, Irene was united in marriage to Robert W. Shay and to this union, one son, Patrick A. Shay was born. Bob survives at their home. Irene worked as a secretary for the Wichita Airport before moving to South America to work for a period of time. When she returned to Fredonia, she worked for Dr. R.N. Sumner, followed by Custom Electronics in Chanute. For more than 20 years, she worked as an International Sales Representative for MEC in Neodesha, Kansas. Irene was self-taught to be fluent in German, Spanish, Chinese and Syrian. Her favorite pastimes included spending time with her family and playing bingo every chance she had. Survivors, in addition to her husband Bob include: Son: Patrick A. and Karla Shay of Fredonia, KS Sisters: Carol Miller of Fredonia, KS Billie D. Kidd of Fredonia, KS Granddaughters: Danni Shay and Marcy Shay of Fredonia, KS Several nieces and nephews Her parents; brother, Clyde Franklin Palmer; and sisters, Bonnie Ethel Palmer, Nell Fenner and Frankie Waltmire preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M., Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Timmons Funeral Home with Mike Myers officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. The Irene Shay Memorial Scholarship has been established for her granddaughters" education and contributions can be sent to or left with Timmons Funeral Home. Words of condolence may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.