Penny Ward McKee Ireland passed away on Friday, January 23, 2015. She was born on June 29, 1950, in Christiansburg, Va., to Pete and Mabel McKee. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 30 years, Pat Ireland. After fighting a courageous battle with cancer for the last year, Penny leaves behind a stepson, Shawn Patrick Ireland and his wife, Sue, of Christiansburg to cherish her memories. She also leaves many good teacher friends and wonderful neighbors.Penny had a love of flowers and each year her side yard was brought to life with an array of them in unusual antique containers. This past spring she was unable to plant them, but her neighbors and retired teachers planted them for her so she could enjoy them when she came home. Penny went to Christiansburg schools all her life and graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1968. She held BS and MS degrees from Virginia Tech. She taught 6, 7, and 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at Christiansburg Middle School for 30 years. During this time she served as the department head for Social Studies, helped sponsor the newspaper and yearbook, ran the school supply store, and served as social director for many activities at CMS. In addition to teaching full time at CMS, she also taught aerobics for 16 years through New River Community College. During the course of the 180 day school year, it was noted by students and teachers that Penny never wore the same outfit twice. All her outfits were complemented by matching jewelry, shoes, and purses. Penny and Pat traveled throughout the United States and abroad. These travels benefited Penny's students because she enriched her classes with stories, pictures, and artifacts from her trips. Upon retirement, Penny and Pat traveled to many places for Pat to participate in trap shoots. Penny, who was not interested in shooting, used that time to become an antique and thrift store collector. Quilts and bears were only a few of her favorite things to collect. She was quick to spot a bargain from far away. Then she had to use her mathematical mind and knowledge of geometry to help her pack all those antiques in her limited car space. Penny had antique booths in Salem, and in later years she displayed her treasures at Chic's in Floyd. Penny wanted to thank Heritage Hall, Montgomery Lewis Gale Hospital, Dr. Harry McCoy and staffs for their wonderful care during the last year of her life. Special thanks go to her good friend, Connie Turner, who was at her side during most of this ordeal. Her generosity towards friends and her family will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, Penny requested contributions be made to the Pat Ireland Memorial Scholarship Amateur Trapshooting Association, P.O. Box 519, Sparta, IL 62286, Attn: Emily Zollner, AIM National Coordinator or your favorite charity. Visitation will be held on Tuesday 27, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at 3 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.
Posted in Obituaries on Sunday, January 25, 2015 12:00 am.