Irma Joy Bish's Obituary
On February 17th, 2023, Irma Joy Bish was welcomed into her Father’s home, greeted by her loving mother Rose Marie Haines, and beloved son Benjamin Ray Bish, (who past away on February 20, 2014, at the young age of 35).
Irma’s life was a storybook adventure. She was raised in a large family of rough and tumble siblings in an impoverished neighborhood on the north side of Wichita, Kansas. While attending Waco Elementary School, students had the option of spending part of an afternoon each week at a nearby church. To avoid classwork, Irma attended this program, and to her surprise, was moved during one altar call to give her life to Christ. What followed was a total transformation of her young heart, leading other siblings and family members to church, and setting the stage for a life devoted to God’s word and His purpose for Irma, her five children, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Irma was the first of her family to graduate high school, and shortly thereafter, she married, James Dean Burns. The young couple moved to Germany where James served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Their eldest child, Gail Marie Aho (Burns), was born in Germany, and once the family returned to the U.S., David Jay Burns, April Lynn Razouky (Burns) and Deanna Joy Truitt (Burns) completed the family unit. Soon after, James fell into alcoholism and abandoned the family, leaving Irma to provide a home and security for her children with little more than her faith in God. However, hard work and faith sufficed, with Irma working a fulltime job at Southwestern Bell, various part-time supplemental jobs, and tending to a small home and large garden on three acres along the Little Arkansas River.
Irma was a professional woman with beauty and brains, always striving to obtain higher education while raising her children with strong Christian values and work ethics. After a time, she attracted the notice of a young grocer who fell madly in love with Irma, in spite of the 11-year age difference and her four children in tow. Darrel Ray Bish and Irma Joy were married August 9, 1975. Darrel moved his ready-made family to Independence, Kansas, where they welcomed their miracle baby, Benjamin Ray, in 1978.
Together, Darrel and Irma ran several business interests, and settled in Longton, Kansas, where Darrel commuted each day to Sedan as partner in Economy Manufacturing Company. Irma was very active in promoting the Elk Valley School, building the Gingerbread Day Care, and working tirelessly to develop a thriving library in the small community. Irma served on the school board, Longton Historical Society, and worked at the school for a number of years. Darrel and Irma were among the several founding members of the Flint Hills Assembly of God church in Howard, Kansas, and devoted countless hours to teaching Sunday School and volunteering with numerous programs, particularly in support of community youth.
All who were blessed to know Irma loved her straight talking ways, her Christian fortitude, witty personality and sparkling laugh. She was her children’s fiercest advocate—interlacing discipline with humor, wisdom and values. Irma loved being Darrel’s wife, comedic sidekick, fellow worshipper, business partner, co-parent and life co-pilot. She was a dear and loyal friend to many, from her earliest childhood days to her work and church relationships, and into her retirement pursuits. She will be much missed by all until we meet again on the Heavenly plains.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church in Howard, KS. Interment will follow in the Longton Cemetery.
The family is hosting a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church in Howard, as well as from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Friday prior to the service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Flint Hills Assembly of God Church and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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