BENTON, Mo. -- Irene E. Boner, 61, of Steeleville, Ill., died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta, Ill.

She was born March 25, 1940, in Mount Vernon, Ky., daughter of William L. and Mary L. Robbins Bullock. She and Robert W. Boner II were married Nov. 7, 1968, in Mount Vernon.

Boner was a graduate of DuQuoin School of Cosmetology. She worked nine years at a dress factory in Berea, Ky. She was owner and operator of Irene's Dial-A-Style in Steeleville.

She was a member of Steeleville Baptist Church, longtime Sunday School teacher, active in Girls in Action Missionary Class, and member of a square dance club.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Robert "Wesley" Boner III of Steeleville; three daughters, Sandra Thiele of Benton, Mo., Robin Walls of Chester, Ill., Melissa Handsbury of Ellis Grove, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Vicky Parret of Richmond, Ky.; two brothers, Kenneth Bullock of Berea, Donnie Bullock of Mount Vernon; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers and sisters.

Friends may call at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville after 6 p.m. today and 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, and from 10-11 a.m. at Steeleville Baptist Church.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Greg Sutter officiating. Burial will be in Paradise Cemetery at Steeleville.