Obituary of Irene Parton

Irene Parton, 86, of Sebastian, Florida went to be with the Lord Monday, February 29, 2016 after her battle with cancer. She was born July 9, 1929 in Vancouver, Washington, to Jack and Minnie Molyneux. She was married to Frank C. Parton for more than sixty years and they resided in Swain County, North Carolina for the majority of their lives together. Irene is survived by her husband, Frank; her sister Jackie Miller and husband Bill of Salem, Oregon; daughter, Karen Hasenauer and husband Mike of Sebastian, Florida; step-daughter Pat Taylor of Canton, North Carolina; step-daughter Shelia Little and husband Thomas of Murphy, North Carolina; grandchildren Nicki Vogel, Robin Pate, Sara Parton, Kris Hasenauer, Mandy Delaney, David Hasenauer and Frank Parton; step-grandchildren Christy Rossi and Tommy Little; and great grandchildren Faith and Levi Vogel, Sydney and Sophie Pate, Audrey and Clay Seagle, Kares, Kailaini and Callen Hasenauer, Maggie and Gus Delaney and Seriah Hasenauer. Irene’s parents and son, Robb Parton of Bryson City, preceded her in death. Irene received her Bachelors degree in Education from Western Washington University. She taught first grade at Cherokee Elementary School and retired after a twenty-year career. Irene was the embodiment of hospitality and generosity. She always had a smile on her face, a quick wit, and was ready with a pithy comment. She made everyone feel valued, welcomed, and loved. The visitation is from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Crisp Funeral Home. The funeral service is at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Sawmill Hill Freewill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s name to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://www.pancan.org thru the “Honor/Memorial” donation tab.