Port Allegany - Vernice Irons, 85, of, Port Allegany, went to be with the Lord on Sunday (January 8, 2012) while staying in the Lakeview Senior Care & Living Center, Smethport.

She was born Feb 27, 1926, in Port Allegany, a daughter of John E. and Mary E. Baxter Hardes. On December 28, 1947, in Port Allegany, PA, she married Milford E. Irons, who died April 30, 2005.

Mrs. Irons was a 1944 graduate of Port Allegany High School and a 1948 graduate of Clarion State College with a degree in elementary education. She was an elementary school teacher, employed in Eldred Twp., Newark, Delaware; Roulette and Port Allegany schools.

Vernice, who was a loving mother and grandmother, could also be found reaching out to those in need, especially by visiting friends in nursing homes. She was devoted to her family and friends and never missed a special occasion or event that she knew had taken place in their lives. She spent countless hours sending cards for these occasions over the years. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or health challenge, she made sure they were acknowledged with a card to show she cared.

She was a devoted member of the East Smethport United Christian Church.

She is survived by
Two daughters: Beverly (Richard) Groff of Strasburg, PA, Mary Janette (Brad) Binder of Port Allegany, PA
Three sons: Dennis (Jacque) Irons of Langhorne, PA, John (Vicky) Irons of Olean, NY, Timothy (Lesa Iovine) Irons of Penndel, PA
9 Grandchildren: Cale and Ashley Irons; Mitchell, Alex and Richelle Groff; Jerrica McKune, Chelsea Klotz; Janette, Orion, and Danae Binder
3 Great Grandchildren: Norah Groff, Eden McKune, and Shannon Klotz
And several special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers: Bessemer and George Hardes and 2 sisters: Ada Seamans and Vesta Higley.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 13, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc, 105 N Main St, Port Allegany, PA, and again on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10-11 AM, at the East Smethport United Christian Church, East Smethport, where funeral services will be held at 11 AM, with the Rev. Allen Young, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.


Memorials may be made to Lakeview Senior Care and Living Ctr., Smethport or the East Smethport United Christian Church. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.