Kathryn Louise Ireland

Kathryn Louise Ammeter Ireland, 90 died July 5, 2026, at Homestead of Halstead. She was born July 19,1935 to Christian and Rose Ammeter. She grew up on a farm near Burns Ks. Kathryn has 3 siblings Shirley Rose, Sherwin and Carolyn She graduated from Burns High School. On November 29, 1953, she married Joseph Melson. The newlyweds moved to Potwin and raised their children Shirley Mae, Chris Allen and Susan Kay. After Joe’s death she married Robert D Ireland on March 19, 1983, Acquiring 2 stepchildren Scott and Lisa. They lived in the Newton area, until retiring and moving to Spring Lake, She and Bob spent several winters in south Texas traveling in their RV. They also took many motorcycle trips traveling across the US.

Kathy was a very outgoing woman and very involved in the community. Her first job was as a telephone operator. She then stayed home with the children. When Joe’s health declined, returned to the workforce as the secretary at Potwin Grade School for 15 years. She continued secretarial work at Pester refinery, Manpower, Kennedy Pfeiffer and Spring Lake. Kathy volunteered frequently. She printed the church bulletin, assisted the church treasurer. Regularly donated blood and plasma at the American Red Cross. While living at Spring Lake she worked in the office and delivered meals to the park residents during Covid.

Family was very important to Kathy; she took advantage of any opportunity to host family gatherings. Most memorable were her 80th and 90th birthday parties the kids hosted for her.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings Shirley and Sherwin Ammetter, 1st husband Joe Melson, Stepdaughter Lisa Ireland, Granddaughter Macy Hess, Great Grandson Brillyn Adams Weerts. Survived by Bob Ireland of Spring Lake, Shirley Hess Stiffler and spouse John of Wichita, Chris and Kerri Melson of Texas, Susan Backhus of Wichita, Scott and Machelle Ireland of Windfield, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, at Eastside United Methodist Church in Newton with Pastor Steve Hysom presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday July 9, 2026, at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in the McGill Cemetery Potwin, Kansas.

Memorials donations may be made to Eastside UMC in care of Petersen Funeral Home.