I was on FB recently and thought I would search for Iris. I found out this and was very sad. I met Iris in Florida when we were around 16, I think I was still 15. She was there visiting some of her relatives. Well she made quite an impression on me so we wrote back and forth for a few months. Shortly after I turned 16 I asked her if I could come to see her so she and her family said yes. I think her mom said yes, not sure about her dad. You know how dads are. They probably didn't think I would because I was only 16 and just got my license. I did it, That was my big adventure by myself at that age. I remember getting stopped and having my car searched because I had Florida tags, long hair, jacked up car with loud pipes...for sure I was smuggling Pot. Not me though I looked the part but I was a straight kid. I just had to see Iris again. I remember her father being very nice to me and taking me out to the coal mines to show me where he worked, her mother, very gracious making sure I was fed, and had a place to sleep. I remember her brother had a Olds Cutlass. I was into cars and worked at our families shop. Things changed with Iris as they do with most all young kids. It was just different from when she was in Florida. I drove back to Florida after a couple of days and really never heard from her after that, maybe a quick note. I did get a birthday card from her Mother and I thought that was sweet. I don't know why I decided to write this but it would be a part of my life and a small part of Iris's life that most likely no one knows about. I just want to say I'll never forget her. RIP

To all her family and friends, Iris was one of a kind. She is always part of stories about the special relationships we had as the class of '75. Rest in peace sweetie. You were loved.

I am so sorry that I cannot be there today to pay my respects and see my cousin laid to rest. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially Iris' children, Paul, and Jimmy. God bless.

The mid 70's through mid 80's would not have been the same without Iris in them. She was a hoot. Now days I drive by her parents house several times a week in the summer going back and forth to my favorite fishing spot. There was never a time that I can remember going by and thinking that if I knew Iris was there I would stop and just say hello. I made that trip to and fro to my fishing hole this morning and as I passed her home it sadden me to think that now it was to late. I haven't seen her in years but I miss her just the same. Rest in peace my friend. David E. Melton

Danielle, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

The news saddens me... Iris and The Class of 75 in Drakesboro. I remember skipping class with Iris,Sherry and I think maybe Teresa Not sure but we went to Arnolds then to my house... We got caught by Mr. Dozier.... I remember telling Iris that I had to move and we all tried to figure who I could stay with where I could remain in Drakesboro. I left and Graduated from Apollo High In Owensboro and left Kentucky. 1995 I moved back and found out that Iris was married to Danny . So by chance I found her in Thoroughbred Acres where I use to live. We Laughed and promised to stay in touch. But as we go through life . I just would ask and people would let me know what was going on with her. Then Facebook hooks us up again and she is back in Browder and with that I found Janice Perry.. So Hey Iris I know you are looking down at all of us Smiling or laughing out loud ... That we are all thinking of you and will never Forget. Love ya Friend... Anne B. Frankel

I am truly saddened by the news. Prayers for all of the family. Love you all.

IRIS!!!WILL BE MISSED!...SHE WAS MY FRIEND AND ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH!...GOD BLESS HER FAMILY !!

Danielle & B & family, I am so sorry for your loss of a beautiful mother, wife, & grandmother. May you all celebrate her life and the good times you all spent together. One thing is for sure. Iris had a big heart! I pray that you all know that she is safe & free in the hands of God & at peace. Iris you will be remembered by many! Arielle Bray & family

I remember Iris as a beautiful little girl. She rode the bus with me , I was older but remember her , Jimmy and Kathy . I am so very sorry for your loss. Roger and Jane Fleming

I have only known Iris about 5 years, but she was one that you didn't have to know very long to love. There were no pretenses with Iris. She was an open book and knew no strangers. She talked about her spirituality often, and I take comfort in knowing that she is at peace now. I believe all that loved her now has a special friend in heaven.

I grew up going to school, riding the bus and attending church with Iris and the Hill Family. Over the years I had the pleasure of running into Iris now and then while I lived in Owensboro. I was always glad to get a hug from her and catch up on each others lives. I will remember her as the sweet, friendly and caring person I have known for a lot of years.

I will always remember that beautiful smile Iris always had. Also seen her with that mad scool afew times. All the basketball games and rides back from them, band trips and most of all the softball games in summer.She was a sweet and wonderful person. she was one of first ole school mates I talked to on fb. She will be missed. Iknow at this time there are no words to take awaythe grief and sorrows you have. Just recall all those fun and loving memories you have of Iris. Know she is in heaven with no more worries or pain. God bless and be with family and friends.

Oh - so many memories - I don't even know where to start. Iris, Teresa & I were all born the same year - me in May, Iris in June, & Teresa in July. We spent loads of time at each others houses. My sisters & cousins were the only world I knew before starting school. One memory that stands out when were very young we were at Iris's house and she was pretending to be a puppy dog & had a piece of clothing in her mouth & we were trying to pull it away from her. We were having a blast -her growling & us pulling - until her front teeth came out!!!!! I'll bet Becky wanted to choke us all. We used to play hopscotch at her house. We had a permanent hopscotch board dug down into the dirt in their front yard! But oh, did we love to play! Several people have talked about Iris's laugh. It was so unique & contagious. Our 6th grade teacher LOVED Iris & her laugh. Iris could get away with everything in that class. Mrs. Settlemires use to call Iris for years after & ask Iris to laugh in the phone!! I can't even begin to write our teenage memories here. Iris, Teresa, & I were all in band together r& have many memories from that time. Iris loved to have fun & was the life of any party. I married young & still Iris was in our lives. I remember Curtis & I had a big party for her when she was leaving for the military. But as we got older & had babies & jobs - we didn't have near as much contact. Facebook became a way for us to connect again. But I will always love my cousins. A big chunk of our history is gone & it is so sad.

I am so sorry to hear about Iris. My thoughts are with the family. Rose Castlen

Danielle, Sending prayers to you and your family!

Danielle, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I know she will be missed. Prayers to you and Michael and know that she is now at peace.

Iris the day as been long for me as I reflect on how much I already miss you. Our family made us cousins but to me you are a friend and sister. I will think of you every day and I still see your smiling face. I will miss our long talks on my back porch. I'm glad your last years you lived close to me, as we bonded more than ever. I will love you always. Your cousin Teresa Hill Gardner

Oh, the precious memories of growing up in Drakesboro. Our class was a little Family all its own. We all loved each other and had some wonderful times together. At out Graduation we all vowed to never lose touch. Time and circumstance seemed to change that vow. I will forever cherish memories of riding the bus home with Iris and spending the night at her house. Becky would make biscuits and gravy for us for breakfast ! Good times, precious friend. May you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten..

Words can not express how I feel.... I am flooded with so many fond memories of Band, Ball games and fun times we shared together... We were all One big happy family, close nit together ... She always told me to take care of Rick... every time I seen her... She will be missed ... but she left her mark on our hearts.. God Bless your family.. Praying for you all....

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart. When I think of Iris, I rember when we were in the 7th grade and I was sitting behind her, picking at her. She faked a cry, the teacher caught it and I got the paddle. As I was returning to my seat Iris took her hands away from her face long enough to smile at me.

I remember Iris as very outgoing. She was always up for a good laugh. I'll never forget the times we had in school pulling jokes on one another. "Oh Richard!" she would say and then laugh like nobody else could. Iris, your presence here was felt by many, your passing will leave a void as well, Until we all meet again, may you rest peacefully.

Oh what can I say,I knew Iris as she was in school with my baby sister and brother and couple of my children right behind them then when she came to work on the toll road with me it was like having my own daughter there never forget when her dog died I held her every nite as she cried in my arms and then all the laughs and fun we had she was so precious saw her last summer had been long time but it was so good to see her again that special laugh I'll never forget and all the secrets she told me and made me promise never to tell well never was told and never will be Iris my dear rest in peace you will definitely never be forgotten You were a very special child to me.

RIP Iris

As I read the other post from our Drakesboro Class of 1975, I too, think about all of the wonderful memories that we all shared. Iris was always right in the middle of everything we had going on. I can still hear her laugh. She was always smiling, usually because she was up to something! She was a good friend to all of us. Life takes us in different directions and we don't see each other alot, but our class was a very special one where everybody loved each other. My heart is heavy and sad thinking of Iris not being with us now. Rest in Peace our dear sweet friend. We will meet again!

There are no words to describe the feelings of Iris's passing...Iris was a great friend to me through the years. She practically gave birth to my children, Kalyn and Landan. She mothered me through both of my pregnancies and helped mother them after they were born. She was so close at the births she should have been given popcorn and a drink with that first class view. LOL I Truly believe she has a first class seat in Heaven now. God needed a good woman and he sure got one. She is a warm and caring person. I truely have an Angel in Heaven I can talk to now. She will always be remembered by the Jones and Kimmel family. My heart aches of her passing but I know she is in paradise and and not in pain. Heavenly father please give strenth to her family in the following days and give her love and kisses from all of us here for now for we to will see her there one day. Until then, Iris you will be missed by many. Rest in peace my friend... RIP. xoxo Sandra

What great memories I remember as Iris was the "spark" for our class of '75 Class at Drakesboro. Her humor, pranks, jokes and energy gave all of our a lift and made everyday a special one...a day full of surprises and joy! We miss her presence now...but we are praying that we may all be reunited one day to spend the rest of eternity looking forward to the abundant life as Children of our Heavenly Father. Rest in peace my dear friend....

Iris, The time I spent with you the night before God took you, I hope that the hour and Three quarters that I spent with you helped to show you the love i still had for you even since our divorce back in 1998. You know how close family had become, even though we did have our ups and downs with some never could have forgotten, we still ended up a being a very close family of which I am very glad to be a part of. With All My Love Forever, Dan

So sorry for the loss of your Mom. I will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time. RIP Iris

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.