Irene Bones Obituary

Irene V. Bones, peacefully went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at the Cheyenne Mountain Care Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on December 4, 1921 in Russett, West Virginia, the oldest daughter of Robert Boone and Myrtle Mace Boone. Irene was preceded in death by husbands, Donald P. Lewis and John Bones. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline and Jean. She is survived by brothers, Donald Boone and Allen Boone (Donna), Ohio; 3 sons, Robert (Maude) Boone, Ohio, David (Lynn) Bones, Delaware, and Tom Bones, California; step-daughter, Peggy Lewis, Florida; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Irene is also survived by her loving and caring friends of twenty-seven years from Colorado Springs, Pat and Armond Pietrosanti, Rosi Johnston, Sherry Hall, Trudy and John Christiania and Barbara Palmer who will greatly miss her and all their adventures. She also expresses sincere gratitude to the Cheyenne Mountain Care Center and all the staff who so lovingly cared for her. Irene led an interesting and colorful life...she was the youngest person ever hired as a trolley car motorman at Pittsburgh Railways in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her trolley car driving days in 1940 by driving the Presidential Conference Committee Car, during World War II. This began her lifelong love for trolley cars. She continued her interest for driving these cars throughout her life and in 1955, rediscovered her lifelong interest of trolley cars through her collaboration and volunteerism with the Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Museum in 1995. Irene then became the world's oldest female to be a motorman on the PCC when she was certified to drive the PCC at the trolley museum. The museum nicknamed the car "Irene" in her honor. She was also instrumental in beginning a beautiful flower garden at the museum. Upon marrying John Bones in 1983, she moved to Colorado Springs to enjoy her retirement and travel. Both she and John had a love for trains and every summer they traveled by train as often as they could. They loved to take impromptu trips with friends into the beautiful mountains surrounding Colorado Springs and throughout the states. In addition to her work at the Trolley museum, Irene loved to volunteer at the food bank and the Fort Carson Thrift Shop. She also enjoyed quilting and needlework and her beloved pets. A memorial service will be held at the Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Museum in the Rose Garden at a later date yet to be announced. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Pike's Peak Historical Street Railway Museum.

Published by The Gazette from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Bones

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

A beautiful lady with a smile as big as her heart. My husband worked with Johnny Bones, so we were blessed to know them both. Our sympathy to all her family and friends.

Barb and Skip Lynette

February 2, 2013

Beautiful, strong, joyful, loving lady. So glad to have shared her for a little while. Can't imagine the amazing reunion she experienced with Grandpa and Grandma Pauline! Rejoicing. Pat, thanks for the gift you were to Grandma and to our family.

the Milheims

February 1, 2013

Irene was a joy and the best "big sister" a guy could ever have. I was saddened to read of her passing. Jim

C. James Boone

February 1, 2013

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Irene Bones's name

Memorial Events
for Irene Bones

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Irene's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Irene Bones's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more