The Life of RAMONA MAXINE IRELAND
Ramona Maxine (Carson) Ireland – most often known as Mom, Grandma Max, and Auntie Max -- passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa. She recently celebrated her 96th birthday. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 29, at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines.
Maxine was born June 15, 1915, in Marion County, Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Ruth Carson. She successfully completed the Normal Teacher Training Course and graduated from Chariton High School in 1932. After passing the state exam, Maxine earned her teaching certificate and taught K-8 in a single-room school when she was just 18 years old. She always held fond memories of her students from decades past.
Maxine had her first date with Howard Ireland on November 15, 1940 and married him exactly one year later. They took great joy in riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle; she looked extraordinary in her riding boots and jodhpurs. In the spring of 1942, Howard enlisted in the Navy and Maxine followed him to the west coast for the duration of WWII. She worked as a civilian at the Bremerton naval shipyard managing a secretarial pool and maintained inspection documents for the construction of baby flat top aircraft carriers. After the war, they returned to Iowa to raise their family.
Maxine held several office administrative jobs eventually retiring from Agricultural Mutual Insurance, but her true passions were raising her boys, painting, playing the organ, and researching her ancestors. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, documenting her family history to 1738. She served as chapter president from 1979-1981 for the Siouan Hawkeye Chapter of the Colonial Dames and traveled to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the chapter. Maxine was also an active member of P.E.O. and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and treasured the lifelong friends she made through these organizations. She was a member of First Christian Church and always carried a love for her Saviour.
Maxine was preceded in death by Howard, her husband of 67 years, her mother and father, sister Mary (Carson) Smith, brothers Francis Jr. Carson and Arthur Carson. She is survived by her brother Bevan (Ardis) Carson, sons James (Sheree) Ireland and Gregory (Lou) Ireland, grandchildren Trevor Ireland, Ashley Ireland, Heather Ireland, Shaun Ireland, Megan (JJ) Jackson, Jeffrey (Stephany) Ireland, Erin (Greg) Elscott, and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2011, at Westover Funeral Home, Hickman Road, Des Moines.