Irene McCormick, also known by some as Stella, a long time resident of Salina, Ks and Bethany Home in Lindsborg, Ks, passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 99.
Irene was born on January 9, 1927 to Jesse and Stella Morrical at the home of her grandparents Jim and Minnie Morrical in rural Lincoln County Ks. Irene grew up on the farm. She attended Logan Grade School, 12 Mile Grade School, Beverly Rural High School, and Culver High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1945. She attended Brown Mackie Business College in Salina. Taking accounting and bookkeeping, which became her profession. Irene worked at Swift & Co., O.K. Webster Jeweler, the First National Bank & Trust, B & J Furniture Store, Anthony’s Clothing Store and Sears. After leaving Sears she opened her own custom drapery shop called “Irene’s”. She was a hostess for Nickerson Farms, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, and Red Coach Restaurant. She worked for Hertz Rental Car and the Koch House. She also worked in the office of the Kansas Highway Patrol and the American Red Cross. Every place Irene worked she received many Certificates and Awards for her excellent work. Irene retired in 2013. Irene is a long time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina where she once taught Sunday School. Irene was also a Cub Scout Den Mother. She served as the Treasurer for the Jolly Mixers Club for 22 years. Irene was the President and Woman of the Year of the ABWA Anilas Chapter. She was also a Life Member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Irene loved to dance. She was the Jitterbug Queen at Eddie’s nightclub in 1948 and danced with the Jolly Mixers for over 30 years every Wednesday night. She loved to cook and was known for her strawberry pie, chicken and noodles, deviled eggs, liver and onions and her biscuits and gravy. She also made beautiful coasters and loved to play cards. She loved to travel and visited North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Germany, Italy, and Hawaii. She loved a nice cold red beer.
Irene is survived by 3 children, James and Ann McCormick of Bennington, Ks, Connie and Kerry Gellert of Las Vegas, Nv, Larry McCormick of Salina; 3 granddaughters, Mindy and Brandon Pope of Marshville, Nc, Jamie and JP Flynn, of Salina, Kirsten McCormick, Bend, Or; a step-granddaughter, the Honorable Kerreen Gellert Conley of Belleville, Mi; and a step-grandson, John Gellert of Milford, Mi; 3 step-great-grandsons, Tristan Gellert, Austin and Carson Conley all of Mi; also many wonderful nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome visitors on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. A funeral will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salina. Burial will be in Lincoln, KS.
The family requests memorials be sent to Bethany Home in Lindsborg, KS. Or to the Salina Red Cross.