Mike (Evans) Irving

Margaret Mary ‘Mike’ Irving, age 95 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Eastside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield. She was born October 22, 1928, in Peoria, IL to Joseph and Gertrude Tebbens Evans. Mike married Brice Irving August 16, 1947, at Our Saviour’s Church in Jacksonville, IL and he preceded her in death December 3, 1991.  

Mike graduated high school from St. Michaels in North Hampton, MA and then enrolled at University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago, IL. After her children were older, she began her career with Illinois Department of Driver’s License Bureau as Regional Director monitoring ten counties for compliance to state licensing regulations retiring in 1997. Mike was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, spending time teaching Catechism and confirmation preparation, and was president of St. Mary’s Altar Society. In addition to her local parish, she was also an avid supporter of the Pink Sisters in St. Louis, MO. Her family was her life, and she never missed a chance to celebrate with them and spent countless hours attending their activities.  Mike was a an incredible seamstress, not only sewing for her daughters, but creating beautiful drapes, bedspreads and truly anything else she thought she could master.  She was a wonderful cook who was especially known for her amazing fried chicken and pecan pies, and her home was open to anyone who wanted to share a meal. Mike was active in her community, she belonged to many bridge clubs and enjoyed bowling, golfing, was a founding member of Old Orchard Country Club and was politically active in the Democrat party. She was an accomplished water-skier, winning a state award and also patiently taught her friends and family how to ski. Mike was a determined lady who was a loyal and good friend to many who will always be remembered for her genuine smile and infectious laugh.

Mike is survived by children, Rita Irving of Lake in the Hills, IL, Theresa (David) Cooley of Buffalo, IL, Becky Ghrist of Pittsfield, IL, Brett (Karen) Irving of Pittsfield, IL and Kelly (Joe) Fackelman of St. Louis, MO; fourteen grandchildren, Lindsey Irving, Morgan Irving, Mary (Allen) Cooley-Jones, Jennifer (Andrew) Fish, Adam (Tracie) Ghrist, Joseph (Taryn Bell) Ghrist, Aubrie (Bryan) Hubbert, Sam (Lexy) Ghrist, Michael (Christy) Irving, Rachel (Anthony) Pitts, Michelle (Doc) Kleinschmidt, Janel Irving, Gretchen (Mark) Bradley and Taylor (Freddie) Beasley; eighteen great grandchildren, Willow Irving, Rowan Irving, Max Cooley, Bridger Fish, McKenna Ghrist, Brooklyn Ghrist, Abram Ghrist, Ronni Hubbert, Cori Hubbert, Briggs Hubbert, Isaac Irving, Jackson Irving, Roman Pitts, William Kleinschmidt, Brock Kleinschmidt, Michael Trimble, Isla Bradley and Evan Bradley; and sister, Rita Yahnke of Plainfield, IL; daughter-in-law Susan Irving; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Evans; husband, Brice Irving, Sr; children, Robert Brice Irving in infancy, Margaret Mary ‘Miki’ Irving and Brice L. Irving, II; son-in-law, Dr. Ron Ghrist; and siblings, Mary Ann Morris, Joseph Anthony Evans and Charlotte Thompson.

Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, IL with interment to follow at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rosary at 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pink Sisters c/o Mount Grace Convent, St. Anthony’s Guild or St. Mary’s Altar Society. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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