Lura Irene (Moore) Kolman, 101, was born on December 29, 1919 on a farm one   mile south of Mayfield to John C. and Alice (Shaffer) Moore. She passed away at her home in Wellington on March 31, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Her fondest memories of early childhood were of time spent at her grandparents' farm near Milan and the Chikaskia river. She often helped her grandmother Shaffer fix meals for harvest.  Irene was a hard worker and often told stories of working in the laundry in Wellington. Needless to say, it was not her favorite job.

After graduation, she had hoped to attend K-State, but instead traveled to Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK.  She worked even then, cleaning house and babysitting for one of the local doctors. She loved her time at the university, but WWII interrupted her studies and she left to begin work in Wichita at Beechcraft and Boeing.  She often told the story of working on the 1 ^st B-29 and seeing it fly.

It was at Beechcraft that she met and married, Ernest J. (E.J.) Kolman, much to the consternation of her younger sister, Wanda. Wanda had dared Irene to go out with EJ, and true to form, Irene took up the dare. Their first date was to the Blue Moon Club.

After marriage, the couple resided in Wichita for a few years and then moved to Wellington. They eventually operated the Western Union office located in the Antlers Hotel.  Irene also worked for several employers, including JC Penneys and Harry's IGA before she willingly became a stay at home mom to Becky and Brian for several years.

Irene returned to the work force for  the City of Wellington, first in the City Clerk's office and then in the Utility Office where she ultimately became head of the office and retired from this position in 1985.

Upon retirement, she once again became a "stay-at-home mom" to her grandson, Michael, for several years.  She also cared for her mother until her death in 1990.  She often spoke fondly of her travels with Michael and her mother to Wisconsin to meet distant relatives.  She also frequently traveled to New Mexico to visit her daughter. This travel was over the rails, utilizing her Amtrak pass. She dearly loved travel by train, as she did this often growing up. She even lived less than 100 feet from the rails as a youngster.

Her retirement also allowed her to pursue her interest in genealogy.  She volunteered for many years at the Midwest Genealogy and Historical society and, having lived all of her years in the area, was a great source of knowledge for folks visiting the center.  She also volunteered for VITA and AARP tax service for over 20 years and enjoyed being able to help so many individuals with their tax preparation.

Irene was a stubborn, independent woman who loved her family. She willingly gave up her time to take her children to whatever event they participated in. She sewed most of their clothes and never complained about the time she spent supporting her family.  Those who were privileged to know her will quickly say she was not one to back down, even to members of her own family.  We know she made it to 101 because she was too stubborn not to.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest J. Kolman; two sisters, Wanda Lepley and Evelyn Bailey and brother, John Moore.

Survivors include her two children, Brian Kolman and his wife Debra of Wellington and Becky Sellers and her husband Ron of Emporia, KS; two grandchildren, Michael Kolman and Patrick Kolman and his wife Marci; two great grandchildren, Piper and Maisie Kolman; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.  Pastor James Byers will officiate.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, April 2, 2021 from 1:00 – 7:00 P.M.  The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established with the Sumner County Historical and Genealogical Society in lieu of flowers.  Contributions can be left at or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.