Irene Ruth Votaw

Irene Ruth Votaw, age 90, of West, formerly of Waco, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007 at West Rest Haven. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Waco Memorial Park, with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Votaw was born January 2, 1917 in Ross, the daughter of Fred and Marie (Kudelka) Zahirniak. She attended school in Ross and was a 1935 graduated of West High School. On February 22, 1946 she was united in marriage to Findley Votaw in Waco. He preceded her in death on March 22, 1998. Irene was an insurance clerk for Southern Medical Life Insurance Company for over 30 years before retiring in 1981. She was a member of the West Brethren Church where she was active in church activities and the Christian Sisters. She was a past member of the Robinson Drive United Methodist Church. Irene was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Waco. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her buchta and kolaches. Irene especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Marie Tobola, Billie Scoggins, and Eileen May. Survivors include a son, Daryl Votaw and his wife Kaye of West; a brother, Harry Zahirniak; a sister, Judy "Julia" Rosenauer and her husband Richard of Waco; grandchildren, Debbie Dennis and husband Mike of Moody, Jody Harris and her husband CWO2 Clint of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Michael "Bo" Votaw and wife Misty of West; great grandchildren, Brittney, Ross, Bayley, Jason, Sam, and Delayna; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Wilborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219.