EUGENE, Ore. -- Irene Higgins Tindall, 91, of Eugene died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at Eugene.

She was born July 10, 1924, in Chester, Illinois, to Edward and Lula Higgins. She was married for 72 years to James Howard Tindall, a veteran of World War II, who died in 2013.

She lived most of her life in Chester and then in Cape Girardeau before moving to Eugene in 2014 to live with her only child, daughter Jean Dunbar.

Irene was a beautiful woman in both appearance and spirit. Her sweet smile and quick humor will be missed by her family and devoted circle of friends, who cared greatly for her. She had an artistic bent, producing many paintings and ceramics with her art club in Cape Girardeau. Her many interests made her a lively companion -- poker, bowling and reading, to name just a few.

She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star and of Lynwood Baptist Church. She used the word "neighbor" as a verb and created lifelong relationships with those who lived near her.

She could make the simplest food taste delicious, and her chicken 'n' dumplings could not be duplicated. She found beauty in flowers, birds and especially her dogs.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Jean Dunbar; twin granddaughters, Leah and Rena Dunbar; and great-grandchildren, Jonah Solstice, Lilah and Jameson, all of Eugene. Her special friend, Eric Weiss, and beloved dog, Dandy, will be among those feeling her loss.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Higgins, and sister, Ella Valleroy.

Despite declining health, Irene never lost her love of pretty things and her accommodating and adventurous nature. She loved to be in "right in the mix," and her family made sure she was the center of every gathering of family and friends.

Rena and Leah's ladies group adopted her, playing cards, taking her to see live music and making sure she was honored as the matriarch she was.

The support and care of Sacred Heart Hospice and RiverBend Hospital staff is much appreciated by the family.

A celebration of life will be held at the home of her daughter, followed by a graveside ceremony in Evergreen Cemetery in Chester at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to West Lawn Memorial Funeral Home of Eugene. Please access the obituary and sign the guest book at musgroves.com.

Irene would wish donations made to the Humane Society in her honor.