Irma Mcguirk Dodeward

Late in the afternoon on August 20, 2022, holding the hand of her daughter Dawn Deemer, Irma joined her husband David and many relatives in heaven. Cancer finally winning the long-fought battle. Born in The Dalles Oregon, raised in a multi-generational home with her mother, grandmother, aunt along with her sister (Wanda) and brother (Art). Irma moved as very young adult to Alaska where she met her husband, David Dodeward. David predeceased Irma on September 7, 2018; a few days short of their 40th anniversary. David and Irma returned to the Dalles in the 1970’s living with and caring for her grandma until her passing. They then came to Washington and Aunt Ruth later came to live with them.

David’s passing rocked Irma’s world, she was lost without him (and their picking at each other). Irma moved to Creswell Oregon to be near her stepdaughter Dawn, her granddaughter Kaytlyn and grandson Alan. Dawn cared for and made her last year’s full of as much love as possible. Irma loved playing cards, doing art projects, and working on her flowers with Kaytlyn who held a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed meeting her new extended family, their get togethers’ and Dawns great cooking.

Irma worked as a bartender in Oregon, Alaska, and Washington. She loved her work at the Canton Inn, Beachcomber and Gold Mountain Golf Course to name a few. Irma’s paintings and handmade Christmas ornaments will be treasures for all her family. Her love of animals, dogs, cats, birds (especially hummingbirds) were a focus of her life, and her lap is full in heaven. Over the years there were many camping trips with friends and family, trips to the fair, garage sales, farmers markets and playing card games. David and Irma were even able to snowbird in Arizona for a year with their special friends, Jerry and Jen Tellinghiusen.

In addition to her husband David, Irma was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Art and many in- laws who loved her. Irma is survived by her sister Wanda, stepdaughter Dawn, Tina and Teri, sister-in-law Ladonna, Georgia, Lunetta, Julie, Audrey and Mary (Fred) and nephew Carl (who Irma was thrilled witness his birth), many nieces, nephews and cousins. There are also many half siblings, nieces, and nephews in the state of Kansas.

RIP free from pain, in the arms of Jesus and our large family in Heaven…until we meet again.