Iva Irene Saddler, 98, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on May 14, 1927, in Vernon, the daughter of Clarence and Lulu Hanson. She married John McGeehan on December 20, 1947, and he preceded her in death on June 4, 1974. She later married Henry “Beach” Saddler on July 22, 1983, and he preceded her in death on December 12, 2010.
Survivors that will remember Irene’s unforgettable way of making everyone feel special include her daughter, Marcia Kime Bierman and husband John Bierman of Walnut Hill; son, Arthur Lee Mcgeehon and wife Vicky of Centralia; three granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Plumb of Plainfield; brother, Mike Hanson and wife Debbie of Altamont; and three nephews and their families
Along with her first husband, John Mcgeehon of 26 years and her second husband Henry “Beach” Saddler of 27 years, Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lulu Hanson; brothers, Jack Hanson, and Gene Hanson.
Sweet Irene fell in love with the art of learning at a young age. Her need to share this passion for education benefited her immensely during her dedicated years of shaping young minds toward a promising future. Before her retirement, Irene was a beloved First-Grade teacher at Patoka Grade School for 30 wonderful years, and her students remembered her intellect, wit, and nurturing nature well into their adulthood.
She was a lady of great faith, a true reflection of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Irene was committed to sharing her gift of encouragement with all her grateful church family at Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia, where she was a member. She expressed her love for everyone with her dedicated ministry of remembering and sending cards for every special occasion.
The beauty of Branson, Missouri, captivated her heart, and she was thankful to call this area home for a valued season of her life. Irene and her husband, Beach, loved to go on adventures together while traveling. An avid reader, she consumed books, always searching for an Amish, mystery, or romance book to read. Irene cherished her years raising her family and was so proud to be her grandkids’ “Grandma McG,” who could watch her grandchildren grow into beautiful, compassionate adults. Her grand dogs loved her as much as she loved giving them unconditional love.
Irene enveloped the spirit of perseverance, was always kind, and considerate of others, and loved her family deeply. Her family and friends are honored to continue her life of dedication to serve others with grace and love, living their lives by her example.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Interment will follow at Patoka City Cemetery, where Irene will be laid to rest beside her late husband, John. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of her service on Monday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Irene’s honor in accordance with the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Irene may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
