Irene Elizabeth Goins

Irene Elizabeth Goins went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband James Albert Goins Sr. on Oct. 14, 2024.

 Irene Elizabeth Blessinger was born Dec. 17, 1926, in Apple Valley Community, that was north west of Parma, Idaho. Her parents were Ted R. Blessinger and Ethel Brumfield Blessinger.  

 Irene lived with her maternal grandmother and grandfather, Lizzie and William Brumfield. 

 Irene went through the seventh grade at Apple Valley School. Because of county boundaries Irene then went to Fruitland schools for her eighth through 10th grade years.  Irene then moved to Weiser, Idaho with her father. She graduated from Weiser High School in 1945.  

 In January 1945 a dear friend Helen Wilson, introduced Irene to her cousin James A. Goins who had just returned from 2½ years in the South Pacific. After a short romance they were engaged on Valentines Day.  

 James was then selected to drive the Russian delegate at the first United Nations Conference. After the conference James was sent to Fort Lewis, Wash.  He was discharged July 19, 1945.

 Irene and James were married on July 27, 1945.  This marriage lasted 63 years, 6 months, 22 days until James passed. There were three children born to this union, Janice Kay Sweeney (David, deceased), Peggy Lee Williams (Raymond), and James Albert Goins Jr. (Wanda).  

 In 1970 Irene was elected Washington County Treasurer, a job that she enjoyed very much. She served on the legislative committees, as treasurer representative on the I.C.R.M. board for the insurance for the counties.  Irene also represented Idaho County Treasurer in the National Association of County Treasurers. In 1990 Irene resigned the position of County Treasurer to retire and spend time with James. 

 Irene and James became snowbirds from 1997 until 2004. They wintered in Yuma, Arizona. They enjoyed the friends they met there: especially Joan Kreiger. They kept in contact all these years and got together several times after they quit going to Yuma. They loved each other like sisters.

 Irene continued to live in her home for 4 years. She then moved in with her daughter Peggy and Raymond Williams until the time of her death.  

 She loved her grandchildren, Stuart Wilson, Jennifer (Vincent) Gregory, Ann (Travis) Eby, Katie Sweeney, Michelle (Ronald) Pope, Travis (Elizabeth) Gray, Clint (Darcy) Goins, Tina (Randy) Benson, great-grandchildren, Eli Eby, Hudson Eby, Matthew (Melissa) Pope, Tyler (Alyssa) Pope, Emily Pope, Mirriah (Jeff) Galloway, Kilee (Gabi) Saldivar, Ginger Goins, Avery Goins, Halie Benson, Caleb Benson, Leah Benson, great-great-grandchildren, Mychal Pope, Victoria Pope, Delanie Galloway, Brayden Galloway, Colt Galloway, Lakelynn Pope, Harper Saldivar, Hallie Saldivar, Paisley Pope, Walker Pope and Oakland Pope.

 Graveside services honoring Irene will be held Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser. Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.