Irene Barnickel, formerly of Broken Arrow, died February 15, 2018 in Tulsa, days short of her 89th birthday. She was born on February 25, 1929 in Nashville, Tennessee to Dewey and Mamie Bolin. Irene had a happy childhood in Nashville and Little Rock, AR where she imagined herself as Sonja Henning, roller skating in the neighborhood. At age 12 her favorite school subjects were art and nature, areas that would be lifelong inspirations for her.

She married Richard Hughes in 1949 in Little Rock and they had a daughter, Joan. Not long thereafter, she became a single mother, and Irene and her daughter moved to Ft. Smith to live with Irene's parents.

A few years later on a blind date Irene met the love of her life, Tom Barnickel. Her original date got sick at the last minute and asked Tom if he could escort Irene to see Nat King Cole that evening. That was the beginning of a lifelong love, filled with music, dancing and joy. Even into her final years, Irene was fond of recalling and sharing the story of how they met, and the special memories of the music of Nat King Cole, Glen Miller and other big band musicians.

Tom and Irene married on January 31, 1959. Several years later the family moved to Tulsa and their daughter, Linda was born.

Throughout their marriage Tom, Irene and the girls traveled frequently. Heading west to California and Nevada, visiting the World's Fair in New York, going to the Bahamas, Hawaii and numerous other places. They made annual vacations to the seashore in Maryland to visit Tom's family. In 1982, Irene and Tom traveled to Japan, one of the most enjoyable and meaningful trips in her life.

Irene was devoted to her family and supported her daughters in all of their activities. She was an exceptional seamstress and often made clothing for them and their dolls. She loved arts and crafts and created exquisitely detailed paper tole pictures. She also enjoyed genealogy, beginning her research in the pre-internet days of the 1970s. Her crafts and genealogy research are treasured by her daughters today.

The family moved to Broken Arrow in1970 where Irene enjoyed her beautiful backyard full of flowers, trees, birds of all kinds, squirrels and bunnies. She could watch them
for hours, and hummingbirds were a special favorite. She loved animals of all kinds, especially cats and dogs, attracted by their innocence, playfulness, and loyalty,

Without fail, people universally describe her as "sweet." She was a woman of infinite patience, quiet strength and protective, unconditional love. She was the epitome of motherhood and a compassionate and caring friend.

Irene is survived by daughters, Joan King of Tulsa and Linda Barnickel of Nashville, TN; nieces and nephews, Libby Sparrow, Barbara Bolin, Mike Bolin, Johnny Barnickel, Debbie Dornan and Brian Barnickel; and sister-in-law, Rita Bosse.

Irene was lifelong friends with Geraldine Moreton, Jane Weaver, Pat Galloway, Bonnie Lively, and Kathy Gahm. She valued her friendships with her long-time neighbors. She appreciated the kindness, compassion, and assistance shown to her and her family in recent years by Kenny King. The many friendships she made among staff and residents at the Villages at Southern Hills gave her and her family strength, comfort, and laughter during some difficult days.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Mamie Bolin; her loving husband, Tom, of 34 years; and her brother, Robert Bolin.

Funeral services were held at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, on February 20, 2018, with Chaplain Bob Herndon of Hospice of Green Country officiating. Burial followed in the cemetery. Moore's Southlawn handled arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: 2448 E. 81st St., Suite 3000, Tulsa, OK 74137, ph: 918-392-5000.

"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." � Psalms 116:7