Irene Busch
Irene N. Busch, 93, died May 1, 2002, at St. Luke Hospital.
Born May 5, 1908, at Tampa, she was the youngest of two daughters born to Harry N. and Edna May Hackler.
She was raised and attended school in the Tampa community.
She met her future husband, Charles Busch, in 1924, when the telephone system was first installed at Tampa. They were married Dec. 19, 1926, at Council Grove. The couple had one son.
After her husband died in 1947, she moved to San Diego, Calif., where she worked in sales in a department store. In 1977 she moved back to Tampa and, in 1979, moved to Hilltop Manor in Marion.
Although she never learned to play, she loved golf. While living in California she walked the links at Torrey Pines, Cedar Point, and Golden Hills, enjoying the PGA tournaments. She continued to be an avid fan until her death.
She was a member of Eastmoor United Methodist Church, VFW Women's Auxiliary, Thimble Club, Marion Senior Center, and United Methodist Women.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister, Agnes.
Survivors include her son, Mark Roberts of Tampa, and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Goering officiating.
Music included "Beyond the Sunset" and "In the Garden." The congregational song was "How Great Thou Art." The recessional was "Old Rugged Cross." Greg Carlson was vocalist. Anita Brookens was organist.
Casket bearers were Clifford Collins, Chris Costello, Dennis Burch, Gary Carlson, Kelly Novak, and James Clemmer Sr.
Honorary casket bearers were Edward Costello, Eugene Costello, Don Beisel, Douglas Burch, Kade Warner, and Lynn Kleiber.
Burial was in Hackler Cemetery, Tampa.
Memorial funds have been established with Eastmoor United Methodist Church or VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
