Beth Irene Ireland

Beth Prottengeier Ireland, age 89, passed away on August 10, 2015, after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her older brother and sister-in-law, Maurice (Bud) and Marian Prottengeier; three sons and their wives, Jeff and Ellen, Scott and Kim, and Steve and Jean; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (and Jimmy Squibb), Olivia, Jerame, David and Patrick and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband of nearly 60 years, Don, passed away seven years ago. She was also preceded by her parents (Herbert and Caroline) and a younger sister (Peg). Her parents were solid Germans and Beth's early years were spent on her family's small farm near Flint, Michigan. Her early education was in a one room schoolhouse. During World War II, her family relocated to Chicago where her father was transferred by General Motors. She graduated from Maine High School in Des Plains and studied home economics at Purdue University, graduating in 1948. She met Don while at Purdue. Ironically, he first saw her when she was elected the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, his fraternity. They soon started dating, eloped and were married for nearly 60 years. After college, she taught school in Mishawaka, Indiana. They moved to Dayton where she continued to teach and Don was one of the founders of Main Line Supply Company. She stopped teaching so she could focus her energy on the activities and challenges of raising three sons and an assortment of their friends, many of whom regarded her as their second Mom. A terrific cook and baker, she made thousands of delicious pies, cakes and cookies for her family, friends, children (and their friends) and neighbors. New neighbors were typically treated to a welcoming pie and tin of fresh cookies. Over the years many had the opportunity to be a dinner guest at the Irelands and they always received great hospitality, a terrific meal and dessert. Beth was an avid golfer at Dayton Country Club, Moraine Country Club and Belfair (South Carolina). For many years, she and Don spent their winters in Hilton Head, South Carolina where they had many friends and their summers in Ohio enjoying their friends, children and grandchildren. Beth and Don traveled widely throughout the world, and she said many times near the end that she had experienced a very blessed life for which she was most grateful. A cancer survivor, she volunteered for many years with Reach To Recovery where she counseled hundreds of women. She was involved in many school related activities and volunteered with Planned Parenthood and Fairmont Presbyterian church. There will be memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22 at Fairmont Presbyterian Church. Family will visit with friends after the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Evans Scholars or the Salvation Army - Dayton Kroc Center. The family wants to recognize and thank the many caregivers at Brookdale of Oakwood who provided exceptional and loving care over the last 24 months. Beth will be remembered for her beautiful smile, blue eyes, welcoming nature and the deep pride she had in her children, her daughters-in-law and their families. She will be missed. She had a very blessed life, and those who knew her received many blessings in return.