Irma C. Stice, 101, of Commerce, Oklahoma and formerly of Chetopa, died at 6:25 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Eastwood Manor in Commerce.
Born September 19, 1920, in Vaughn Arkansas, Irma Cedona was the daughter of Frank D. and Luella (Coonfield) Cochran. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Marion; one infant grandson, Danny Pease; one step-son, Tom Stice; five brothers, Cleo Cochran, J.B. Cochran, Frank L. Cochran, Darrell Cochran, and Freelon Cochran; four sisters, Bernice Clark, Eunice Ross, Bonnie Matthews, and Mary Lou McGill.
As a young girl, Irma moved with her family first to Chetopa and then various other locations, before the family returned to Chetopa. She graduated from Chetopa High School.
In July 1940, Irma married Frank C. Miles. The couple later divorced. January 5, 1967, Irma and Marion L. Stice were united in marriage in Miami, Oklahoma. The couple settled in Coffeyville, where she lived until Marion passed away August 22, 1972. She then returned to the Chetopa area. After suffering a stroke in 2012, Irma began living in the Chetopa Manor. After it closed, she moved to Eastwood Manor in Commerce.
During World War II and the Korean War, Irma worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons. Following her divorce from Frank Miles, she supported her family of two young daughters by working at the Smallwoods Café in Chetopa. An excellent seamstress, Irma worked for different garment manufacturers throughout the years.
She was a member of the First Christian Church of Chetopa and also the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her family and cooking for them. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting.
Irma is survived by her daughters Mary Owens (husband, Monte), of Coffeyville and Hattie Pease (husband, Danny) of Miami, Oklahoma; a step-daughter, Geraldine Oneslager (husband, Dwayne) of Coffeyville; and stepson, Clifford Stice of Mound Valley; and sister, Delores Riddle of Chetopa. Four grandchildren, Brad Owens (wife, Lauran), Mike Owens (wife, Sara), Kim Pease and Amber Meador (husband, Bryan); five great-great grandchildren along with several step-grandchildren also survive.
A graveside service was held Thursday, August 11, at Lake Creek Cemetery in Bartlett.
Memorials are suggested to the Chetopa Food Bank. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.