Lela Irving

Lela Ann (Milner) Irving, 84, died on February 16, 2021. The daughter of Joe and Pearl Milner of Brimfield, Ohio. Lela was born on May 14, 1936 in Akron, Ohio. Lela graduated from Kent State High School in 1954 and went on later in her life to become a registered nurse, earning her certification as an Infectious Disease RN. Working at Edwin Shaw for nearly two decades, she was known for her lollipop tree and gregarious personality.

Lela loved to help others. Upon retiring, she volunteered at the Robinson Memorial Hospital in the same-day-surgery department and dedicated much of her time to the Kent Lions Club. Recognized as Lion of the Year from 2010-2011, Lela organized weekly pizza drop-offs to Kent Social Services, volunteered at “Pedal for Pete,” and served many hours at the annual Pancake Breakfast, Heritage Festival, and more recently, Corn Festival at Beckwith’s Orchard. Lela embodied their motto, “We Serve.” Remaining active in the Kent and surrounding community for many years, Lela enjoyed meeting new people and serving others.

Lela married Tom Irving on October 4, 1957 and together, they built their home in Brimfield, Ohio. She and Tom belonged to the “Blue and Gold Club,” going to every home basketball game for many years. Earning a reputation with the refs, they knew not to stand near their seats! Lela enjoyed traveling. Taking trips with Tom and friends to Hawaii and Alaska, cross-country road-tripping to Yosemite with her niece and cousins, and later to Japan, Switzerland, France, Austria, and more. If health and time would have allowed, she would have traveled the world.

Most of all, Lela loved playing golf at Maplecrest Golf Course and spending time with her loved ones. Once a “Meme,” Lela never missed one of her granddaughters sporting events, and most importantly, their horse shows. Wherever she was, everyone knew Meme!

Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, brother, Dick, and parents. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda (Dan) Martin, Brian Irving, and granddaughters, Abby and Anna. Lela also leaves behind a loving niece, two nephews, and many cousins.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mary Ann Norman and Angie Graham for their friendship. As well as Kathy for her excellent care.

In light of the current pandemic, a celebration of life will be held following Lela’s birthday on Saturday, May 15th at the Brimfield Faith United Methodist Church.  Burial will take place at Restland Cemetery.   If you would like to share pictures and memories to be viewed at the celebration, please send them to lelairvingmemories@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kent Lions Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 153; Kent, OH  44240.

Please visit or call your friends with dementia. They may not remember, but their families will.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.