Betty Ireland

Betty Ireland, 81, of Chattanooga passed away at her home in the loving care of her family Wednesday, May 26, 2010.Betty will be remembered by all who knew her for her energy, enthusiasm, and graciousness. Her life was devoted to her family, church, and friends. She and her late husband, Jack D. Ireland, were members at Highland Park Baptist Church where both taught the Intermediate Department for 10 years. Betty also served as President of the WMU at that time. Later, Betty was President of the Friendship Class at Brainerd Baptist Church for 10 years; she and Jack also taught the College and Career Class for 14 years. For the past 10 years, she has been an active member of First Presbyterian Church. She began a career with the Plastic Surgery Group at age 52 and retired 23 years later.Accomplishments include years of support to a Laotian refugee family, extensive volunteer work at Parkridge Hospital, and service on the Health and Education Facilities Board of Hamilton County.She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jack D. Ireland Sr., and her parents, Oscar and Mary Hassler.Continuing to live by her example are her sons and family. Jack D. Ireland Jr. (Linda Ward), Dick Ireland (Susan Beavers) and Don Ireland (Lisa Thomas); grandchildren, Griffin Ireland, Nicholas Ireland, Susannah Ireland Loveless, Lindsey Ward Erickson, Dillon Ireland, Juliana Ireland; great-grandchildren, Lydia Ireland, Lily Loveless, Evangeline Erickson, Kyrie Erickson.Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Chris Ehler officiating.Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.The family will receive friends today from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com.Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.