Irene Faye Brumley

Irene Faye Brumley, 85, of Owensboro, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at her home. She lived a life defined by faith, compassion, generosity, and an unwavering love for others. As the oldest daughter of nine children, caring for others became second nature from an early age. She lovingly helped raise her younger brothers and sisters, a role that shaped the remarkable woman she would become.

While working at the Wendell Foster Center, Irene met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Brumley. Together they shared 44½ wonderful years of marriage. During Bob's military service, Irene served on the base welcome wagon, welcoming new military families, and opened her heart and home to foster children, believing every child deserved to feel safe, welcomed, and loved.

Her heart for serving others never wavered. Irene cared for siblings through illness and during their final days, chaired her church's Kitchen Committee for more than 10 years, worked in the Owensboro City Schools lunchroom for over 30 years, and quietly made sure no child went hungry, often paying for school lunches out of her own pocket. She faithfully delivered hospice flowers every Wednesday for 15 years, volunteered with Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society, served for several years as a poll worker during local, state, and national elections, and spent countless hours volunteering throughout her community. She never sought recognition—only the opportunity to help others.

Some of Irene's happiest memories were made in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served in Vacation Bible School on Native American reservations. Those mission trips became some of the most meaningful experiences of her life. She cherished New Mexico's breathtaking beauty, especially its colorful hot air balloons, and always looked forward to returning.

Anyone who knew Irene knew of her love for John Wayne. She often joked that he was her first true love long before she met Bob, a story that never failed to bring a smile to those around her. She was also famous for her homemade cookies, which she joyfully shared with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and anyone who crossed her path.

Affectionately known as "Nanny," she wasn't just Nanny to her grandchildren. She was Nanny to neighborhood children, friends, and even strangers because she had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel like family. Her home, her kitchen, and her heart were always open, and no one left her presence without feeling welcomed, loved, and cared for.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Brumley; her parents, Archie and Emily Miller; her brothers, Ray and Roy Miller; her sisters, Sarah Geary, Nancy Metcalf, and Elizabeth Jane Miller; and her great-granddaughter, Courtlynn Sumner.

She is survived by her children, Beth Frey, Dottie Brumley, and Rodger Brumley (Amy); her grandchildren, Chanda Prater, Nick Frey, Marshall Shank (Cathy), Mary Morton (Ryan), Savanna Ray (Melvin), Dustin Brumley (Sara), Sierra Brumley (Dalton Ashley), and Shaun Brumley; along with her many beloved great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Irene is also survived by her devoted sister, Betty Sue Roach, whose extraordinary love and selfless devotion were a true blessing. Betty Sue faithfully remained by Irene's side, providing around-the-clock care, administering her medications, and lovingly caring for her throughout the final months of her life. The family will forever be grateful for the compassion, sacrifice, and unwavering love she gave so freely. Irene is also survived by her brothers, Willard Miller and Jimmy Miller.

Though Irene will be deeply missed, her legacy of kindness, service, generosity, and unconditional love will live on in the countless lives she touched. To know Irene was to know the true meaning of selfless love, and to many, she will always simply be "Nanny."

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 7 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will be Monday from 3:00 until 7:00 PM and Tuesday from 10:00 until 11:30 AM. Burial will be at Sunnydale Cemetery in Ohio County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veteran’s #147, 117 18th St. Owensboro, KY 42303 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Memories and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com