Irene L. Horton, 98, of Sherman, Ill., formerly of Burlington, died Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at The Villa West in Sherman.
Born on January 22, 1928, in Rock Island, Ill., she was the daughter of Harvey K. and Miriam Asquith Johnston. On June 6, 1955, in Tucson, Ariz., she married Francis S. Horton. He preceded her in death on September 10, 1985.
Irene was a 1946 graduate of Reynolds High School in Reynolds, Ill. In 1950, she graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Irene started her career at Canton High School, then Colchester High School in Illinois, where she taught physical education and English. After the birth of her kids, Irene worked as a stay-at-home mother. At that same time, Irene later did door-to-door sales part-time, selling World Book Encyclopedia, and was very successful in her sales position. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
In Irene’s early years, she loved playing the saxophone and clarinet, and was a self-taught organist. She and her husband Francis, a piano player himself, enjoyed listening to and playing music together. They also were excellent dancers; people would clear the dance floor to watch them. Later in life, she enjoyed painting. Many of her pieces of artwork are displayed where she lived and in her children’s homes. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothes for the whole family, including formal dresses and men’s suits. She also had a green thumb. She had a vegetable garden, and her house and yard were filled with flowers and other plants.
Irene loved to travel. She sailed to Europe on the Queen Mary with her family in 1951. Taking family vacations with their Airstream trailer and camping was one of Irene’s most loved traditions. She, Francis, and the kids would travel all over the United States, visiting each state capital and teaching the children. Her favorite place to visit was her second home in Tucson, Ariz. Irene would winter in Tucson with family and friends. Even into her 80s, she would drive there, and she took her last trip when she was 90. Most of all, Irene loved nothing more than to be with her family and friends. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor.
She is survived by her two children: Laurisa (Daniel) O’Dear of Monticello, Ill., and Harvey (Julia Butkovich) Horton of Sherman, Ill.; two grandchildren: Nicholas (Katie) Horton of Sherman, Ill., and Ashley (Jo Motley) Horton of Springfield, Ill.; two great-grandchildren: Gage and Hadley Horton. Also surviving are two nieces: Lucinda (Paul) Parchert of Illinois City, Ill. and Melinda (Douglas) House of Plover, Wis.. Also surviving are several other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Francis, sister Lucille Elliott and nephew Bryan Elliott.
The funeral for Irene will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Lunning Chapel with Ken Peterson officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Lunning Chapel where the family will meet with friends.
Burial will be held in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, Ill.
Memorials have been established in her memory for Des Moines County Humane Society and Mayo Clinic.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.