Obituaries

Sylvia Aileen Ireland (Adams) passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the age of 81. She is the daughter of Charlie Earl Adams and Jessie Aileen Adams of Rogers, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her brothers George and John, whom she dearly loved.

In her early years, she showed cattle in 4H, was active in church, and was crowned Benton County Fair Queen. After graduating from Rogers High School, she attended National College in Kansas City, MO. During her time in college, she served as student body president, played basketball, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education. It was there that she met and wed her husband of 62 years, Jim Ireland. He mourns her passing, but is blessed with the assurances of God’s grace that her beautiful soul has a resting place.

Sylvia worked in social work for the state of Missouri in a variety of roles, but her most cherished was in the adoptive services department. Later in life, she served as an associate pastor and head pastor at several rural Methodist churches in the Springfield area.

Sylvia is the beloved mother of Joe Ireland (Mount Pleasant, IA), Jim Ireland (Fort Garland, CO), and Merri Moore (Wentzville, MO). We were proud of her while we were growing-up for being the pitcher and batting “clean-up” on her co-ed softball team, canoeing despite her inability to swim, and always being ready for a good camping vacation. She loved road-tripping in her Fiat convertible, especially to visit her family in Arkansas.

Sylvia was a wonderful grandmother to seven grandchildren- Sean and Collin Ireland, Megan and Erin Ireland, and Peyton, Sam, and Hank Moore. She provided them with a mini farm with goats, horses, donkey, chickens, dogs, and a cat for many years. Her cherished role as grandmother included camping trips, amusement parks, storytelling, singing, and unconditional love. For all of this, we are truly grateful.

“She also took many trips to Colorado to visit her grandsons, Sean & Collin, over the years and was a big part of their early years. She was always there for them and/or myself when I had a surgery and traveled many miles to do so.” - Jim Ireland

“I want to thank Mom and Dad for adopting me, loving me as their own, and being my parents for 46 years. You were a great mom, I will miss you and I love you very much!” - Joe Ireland

Sylvia’s remains will be in Evergreen Meadows at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum in St. Louis, MO. She will have a “green burial” amongst beautiful native wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. Her husband, Jim Ireland, has a spot reserved for him next to his “beautiful wife” as that has always been his favorite place to be. If anyone does wish to visit, the cemetery will provide the exact location upon request.