Irma Pauline Childers

An amazing dancer. A loving grandma. A lively woman. Irma Pauline Childers has left behind a family who fondly remembers her love of music, dancing, children, and black coffee. She passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 100 on March 30, 2017 in Vancouver, Washington. Irma was born September 20, 1916 to Richard "Bud" Barrett and Pearl Twombley Barrett on their farm southwest of Miltonvale, Kansas, where she tenderly remembers growing up. She was one of four children, her siblings, Sue, Silvia and Lester. Irma learned to play the guitar and the violin in her teenage years, playing in multiple bands. She often would tell the stories of this time in her life, giggling as she recalled her band played in barns during prohibition, later recalling that they must have been actually in barns which contained stills. Her love for playing and writing music transpired into love for dancing. Irma loved any type of dancing, but her favorite was ballroom and square dancing where she earned multiple awards through her life. After graduating from high school, a big accomplishment for women at that time, Irma married Ralph Leroy Everett. Together she birthed four children, two whom died at birth (Laura and Dewhitt) as well as Ralph "Sonny" Everett and Doris (Everett) Duncan. Her children brought her immense joy. Irma divorced Ralph in 1957 and remarried Clarence "Felix" Childers in 1959. They too divorced in 1965. While raising her two children, and working for the US Veteran's Canteen Service, Irma went to college earning her AA. Irma was one of four women who worked for the US Canteen Service during that time period. Her career took her all over the country, living in Kansas, Montana, California, Spokane and Vancouver, WA. She loved her work, and later retired from the US Veteran's Canteen Service in the late 70's. After retiring, Irma could be found selling Avon or doing demos at area grocers. She brought joy and a smile to the face of all she met, and loved meeting and connecting with new people. She was proceeded in death by her parents Bud and Pearl Barrett; siblings Sue, Silvia and Lester Barrett. Her children Sonny Everett and Doris Duncan were also waiting for her at Heavens Gates. Irma is survived by her eight grandchildren, as well as numerous great and great-great grandchildren. Although she is now in Heaven, she lives on in the family she raised, friendships she made, and all of those she touched in her 100 years here on earth. A viewing will be held Saturday, April 8th, 2017 from noon to 9pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. A service celebrating Irma's life will be held Sunday, April 9th, 2017 at 10am the same location.

Irma Pauline Childers

September 20, 1916 - March 30, 2017