Glenda Irwin

Glenda Marie Irwin, 82, of Topeka, KS passed away on February 8, 2025 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by her loved ones. 

She was born on October 29, 1942 to Frank and Ruby (Weigel) Gilger in Phillips County, KS.

Growing up, Glenda enjoyed participating in family theological discussions and reunions, attending camp meetings, and visiting and fishing with her maternal grandparents during the summer. Glenda attended Topeka High School and graduated in 1960. She then went on to attend Miltonvale Wesleyan college, where she graduated in 1962 with an associate of Arts degree. Then she went on further her education at Washburn University where she earned her bachelor’s of education in 1964. Glenda obtained employment with USD 501 Topeka Public Schools upon graduation as an elementary teacher for more than 43 years, a profession she was truly passionate about. 

In 1953, she met the love of her life, Clifford Wesley Irwin. As a fifth grader, Glenda’s family was visiting the farm of one of Clifford’s cousins. While the parents were visiting in the house, Lola, the oldest cousin, gave Glenda and her sister a tour. Meanwhile, gathered around the side of the stock tank, Clifford's cousins were showing him how to launch a spray of water at one another by skimming the base of the hand across the top of the water. When Glenda and the girls walked by, one of his cousins got Glenda’s dress wet. When she got in trouble for damaging her dress, Glenda blamed Clifford. That was the moment Clifford knew he had meet the woman of his dreams.

She and Clifford married on December 22, 1964 in Topeka, Kansas. Together raised 3 children – Gregory, Lorinda, and Chad – who were their pride and joy. As a family, they were involved with family and church activities, studying and discussing the Scriptures, and ministering to others. 

Some of Glenda’s favorite things to do included reading, sewing, teaching, praying, studying, and discussing Scripture.

Glenda was passionate about loving and nurturing children who faced difficult challenges and sharing the love of Jesus with others.

One of her favorite memories was being the first to hear her father’s sermons as he prepared to preach for Sunday morning.

Glenda was also an active member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Topeka, Kansas. Over the years, she utilized her interests and talents and interests to engage children and develop activities that enhanced their learning experiences. Glenda taught children and adult Sunday School, wrote and taught multiple Bible studies, created costumes for the Passion Play, mentored as a Stephens minister, and facilitated various prayer groups. 

For many years’ Glenda was the public relations representative for a children’s home started by her missionary aunt Bethel Faith Home in Kenya, Africa.

Glenda will most be remembered for her stalwart heart and love for Christ that was lived out in an international fashion so others might see and come to a personal experience of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.

Glenda is survived by her loving husband of more than 60 years, Clifford Irwin, her daughter, Lorinda Toburen, two sons, Gregory Irwin and Chad Garinger, sister, Connie Newberry, niece DeAnna Garza, 10 grandchildren, Geoffrey and Meagan Irwin, Connor Irwin, Wesley and Stacie Morris, Stuart Morris, Kenton Morris, Larinn Morris, Hannah Garinger, Timothy Garinger, and 1 great-grandchild, Wayne Morris. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruby Gilger, Aunt, Dr. Eva Gilger and great-granddaughter, Leslie Morris.

A memorial service to honor Glenda’s life will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at Topeka First Church of the Nazarene, 1001 SW Buchanan Street, Topeka, KS 66604 with Reverend Chad Garinger officiating. Private inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the: Bethel Faith Home, Topeka, Kansas, checks can be sent to: Kansas Global Partners, 2917 Monticello Drive Bartlesville, OK 74006 .

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