Cover photo for Rhea Ireland's Obituary
Rhea Ireland Profile Photo
1933 Rhea 2018

Rhea Ireland

May 4, 1933 — May 27, 2018

Rhea Ireland, age 85, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at home May 27, 2018 with her daughters by her side.

Rhea was born on May 4, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Constantine "Gus" and Belle (Mermiges) Papacostas. She graduated from Woodrow High School in 1952 in Long Beach, California.

Rhea married James L. Ireland on November 7, 1952. They had 6 children and shared 43 loving years together until his passing on March 9, 1995.
Rhea was employed with the Kellogg Company - Packing Department for 21 years, retiring in 1990.

Rhea enjoyed knitting, listening to music, and watching movies. She was always out and about, going to garage sales, Goodwill, and Turkeyville. Rhea was an excellent cook and made amazing Greek dishes. In their younger years, she and James would have great times vacationing in Florida. Rhea loved children and always bought gifts for peoples kids. She was always talking and loved meeting new people. Rhea had a very kind heart.

Rhea is survived by her children, Valerie E. Luzader of Sarasota, FL, Debora L. (David) Turbish of Battle Creek, Sharon K. Ireland of Battle Creek, Nancy A. (Ronald) Newby of Battle Creek, and Michael R. (Sarah) Ireland of Fox River Grove, Illinois; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; and 2 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Belle Papacostas; husband, James Ireland; son, Robert R. Ireland; brother, Sam Papacostas; and sister, Helene Caputo.

Visitation will take place at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 SW Capital Ave., Battle Creek Chapel on Friday June 1, 2018 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. A funeral service will be held at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Battle Creek on Saturday June 2, 2018 at 11am.

Rhea will be laid to rest next to her husband in Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions are requested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, or Southwest Michigan Hospice. Donate online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org orwww.hospiceswmi.org, or leave an envelope with your donation at the Kempf Family Funeral Home, Battle Creek Chapel.

Visitation

JUN 1. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)

Battle Creek Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
2838 Capital Ave. S.W.
Battle Creek, MI, 49015

Visitation

JUN 1. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

Battle Creek Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
2838 Capital Ave. S.W.
Battle Creek, MI, 49015

Service

JUN 2. 11:00 AM (EDT)

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Battle Creek, MI

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rhea Ireland, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Photo Gallery

Visits: 3

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree