Skip to content

Irene Anna Kehler passed away peacefully in the Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers, BC on Jan. 28th at the age of 82. She was born in Unity, Sask. in 1933 and moved to Surrey, BC where she worked at Weldwood Forestry Mill for 22 years and then was transferred to the mill in Williams Lake with her husband Bernard. They moved to Houston in 1980, but in 1986 Bernard passed away. Irene later met Michael Fry and they spent 30 happy years together.

Residents of Houston will remember Irene for the many years she worked as a janitor for the Houston Health Clinic and then later as a janitor for the District of Houston. She could also be found working with Mike on gardening and snow removal jobs. Never to be still for too long, she loved to dance. She and Mike were admired partners. They also loved bowling, sometimes travelling to other cities for tournaments and even winning some! She also enjoyed crafting.

Irene will be sadly missed by her loving partner Michael Fry; daughters Dianne Yokome of Maple Ridge, BC, Karen Thompson of North Bay, Ont.; sister Nina Batchelor of Seattle Wash.; brother Ken Houchen of Surrey, BC; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents William and Annie Houchen; husband Bernard Kehler; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

A Memorial Tea was held in the Houston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2016. Condolences may be offered to www.raschraderfuneralhome.com.

R.A. Schrader Funeral Services

250-847-2441



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.