Irene Shafer James, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away at home on May 23, 2025. Born June 13, 1935 in Bixby, Oklahoma, Irene dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband and children, and for extended family members.

Family was very important to Irene. If she knew that someone needed something, she would figure out a way to get them what they needed. Irene was a determined woman. She fought to get the things that her children needed to help them succeed in the world. At times it meant going against the Sand Springs School Superintendent and School Board to get better opportunities for her children's education. She loved to "slightly" spoil her grandchildren and would have things at her house that she knew they liked, even if she didn't use or like them herself. It gave her joy to watch her grandchildren play and grow, loving them from the first moment she held them in her arms. She also always welcomed the friends of her children into her home and treated them just like her own children. Irene had a big heart.

Irene is survived by her husband of 72 years, Victor Leroy, four sons, Dennis, Brian, Keith, and Steven, daughters Elaine Disbrow and Hava Benyosef, ten grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.