Irene B Bartley, lifelong resident of Kent passed away July 1st 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Bartley, brother Donald Grungstad and identical twin Jean Lotter. Irene is survived by her 5 children, Nancy, Peggy, Robert, Don and Judy, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Irene was born December of 1923 in seattle, grew up in Kent working at a young age during the depression at her parents “Grungstads Cafe” in downtown Kent, graduating from Kent High School in 1942.
Enlisted in the army medical corp in 1945 when the government was asking for help. She served in the army at Madigan Hospital for 3 1/2 years working in the physio therapy clinic on wounded soldiers.
After World War II she married Harold Bartley, residing in the Kent valley all of their lives-during their 66 years of marriage. Irene loved to keep busy, her interests included canning, baking and woodcarving and had a heart for helping others. She babysat many children in her home while raising her own family, worked at the Kent post office, The UPS Store and other odd jobs until the age of 96.
She was also a current member of the Women’s Army CorpsVeteransAssociationChapter63Tacomaandthe American Legion Post 204 Service Girls, Auburn Wa.
She will be remembered as always ready to generously give a helping hand, hard working and loving.
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