Irene H. (Allison) Warren, 100, Ellington, passed away peacefully at her granddaughter Laura’s home, in Bonnots Mill where three of her granddaughters reside on the family farm in Osage County.
She was born Aug. 14, 1921, to the late Jesse James Allison and Ruth K. (Smith) Allison of Ellington.
She was united in marriage to Wesley M. Warren in 1959.
Wes and Irene worked side by side on their farm in Ellington. Over the years they raised cattle, chickens and pigs. Each year a large garden produced the best canned green beans with new potatoes EVER. They took time to take week-long horseback trail rides throughout Reynolds and Shannon County. Irene loved her horses, Swinger and Prince. She really enjoyed a long ride on a gaited horse. Irene was always willing to saddle up the small shetland pony for her grandkids’ riding pleasure. Summer weekends were spent at Powder Mill campground on the Current River. The location has since been moved by the government of which Irene was displeased due to the relocation of the campsites now being out in the beating sun and no longer cooled by mature riverside trees.
Irene and both of her beloved parents were direct descendants of the original Native American tribes. Irene was the great-granddaughter to Mahala Smith of the Cherokee nation.
She thoroughly enjoyed her early years on the farm and spoke of her momma and daddy as though they created a magical place where all her needs and desires were met. Irene mentioned many times, “I was spoiled but did not know it until I was 30 years old.” It was at a young age that she developed a passion for small lap dogs. She was known to always love and hold a small dog and that dog was always called “Tiny”.
Irene and her dear mother Ruth enjoyed quilting. They made many beautiful quilts together. Her exceptional horse head quilt has been donated to the Ellington museum. Her mother instilled deep spiritual values reflected in Irene’s life. She was a giving, loving woman. Her door was open to those in need. The Native American influence contributed to a deep love and respect for nature and all living creatures, as well as disregard for wealth and possessions.
Irene was an avid reader. She loved poetry. Some were fortunate enough to hear her read her original poems or even be the subject matter of one. At one time Irene sold used books in Ellington. She was heard laughingly saying “The library ran me out of business!” Irene had many Christian hymns memorized and sang “In the Garden” Easter 2022. She was a believer in Jesus for her salvation.
Following the death of her husband in late 2000, Irene continued raising cattle on her farm until the age of 90. At that time she began living with her dear daughter-in-law Donna Asberry in High Ridge. As a cattle farmer, Irene had not taken vacations far from the farm. In her retirement she traveled extensively with Donna and she loved the experiences they had together.
Irene was preceded in death by parents, Jesse and Ruth; sons, James Truman Asberry and John Clayton Asberry; and great-grandson, John Christopher McCutchen.
She is survived by friend and daughter-in-law, Donna Asberry; grandchildren, Laura R. Pierce and husband Eric, Donna Asberry-Grady and husband Kevin, Julie Kelso, Sarah Asberry, Deborah Campbell and husband John and John Wesley Asberry; great-grandchildren, Allen E. Asberry, Katie Brown, Rachelle Harley, Sarah and Justin Campbell, Joshua and James Hartzler, Keely Allison Grady, Clay and Austin Kelso and Matthew Asberry McCole.
Interment was beside her husband and parents on their family farm near Ellington.
