Florence L. Irwin, 89, of Kingsley, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013 @ the Kingsley Nursing & Rehab Center in Kingsley, Iowa. Florence Leone was born to Fred and Margaret (Cormack) Kintigh on July 14, 1924, in Larabee, Iowa. She graduated from Larabee High School in 1941 as Valedictorian. In 1942 she graduated from Buena Vista College with her teaching certificate. Florence started teaching at Fielding Country school with 13 students in all 8 grades. She started teaching kindergarten and second grades in Pierson, IA in 1953, transferring to Kingsley in 1972. She completed her Bachelors degree in teaching in 1967 by attending summer classes from Morningside College. Florence retired in 1989 after 47 years of teaching, in all, she taught 772 children. After retirement she continued to volunteer at the school assisting students and teachers.On May 28, 1947, Florence and Willis Irwin were united in marriage in a morning ceremony at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Cherokee, IA. They made their home on a farm near Washta, IA, moving to Pierson in 1950. Willis and Florence moved to Kingsley in 1972. Willis passed away in August, 1980. In 2009, she moved to the Kingsley Nursing & Rehab Center for health reasons.Although teaching was her passion, Florence enjoyed gardening, crocheting, embroidery, reading, working crossword puzzles and baking. She was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. Florence served on the Kingsley Public Library Board for over ten years. Florence is survived by her son, Robert W. Irwin of Kinston, NC, daughter Margaret (Rick) Becker of San Antonio, TX, granddaughters, Elizabeth (John) Hodges of San Antonio, TX and Allyson Becker of San Diego, CA, great grandson, Alexander Hodges of San Antonio, TX, and many nieces and nephews.Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Margaret Kintigh; her husband, A. Willis Irwin; infant sister Lyla Mae Kintigh and brothers, Roy, Harry, Raymond and Robert KintighIn lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial donations be made to the Kingsley Public Library,PO Box 400, Kingsley, IA 51028
