Irene Marie White passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, with family by her side, at the age of 99 years.

Irene was born June 4, 1919 on the family farm in Spirit Valley. She was the sixth of nine children born to William and Jesse Jarvis.

Irene was raised in a very musical family home. She was a key member of the “Jarvis Family” band. She played her violin in various groups and dance bands. In later years, she played with her sisters, Florence and Banna, and they were known locally as “The Jarvis Sisters”.

Irene married Lindsay Douglas White on November 8, 1939 in the Jarvis family home. Irene and Lin raised five children during their 51 years of marriage including: Valerie, Richard “Dick”, Clifford “Clancy”, Clayton, and Shane. Irene was a very active member of the Grace Gospel Chapel, and her faith was an integral part of her life.

She is survived by her daughter Valerie, sons Dick (Lynn) and Shane (Fern), 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Lindsay in 1990, son Clancy in 2014, son Clayton in 2017, son in-law Bill Keller in 2013, her parents, and siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11:00am, at Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812 44 Ave.). Private family interment to follow at Spirit River Town Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Spirit River Centennial Hall after the interment.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace Gospel Chapel (Box 507, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0).