Obituary of Inez Straw

Inez Barrett Straw, 100, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2015 at her home in Independence, KY with family at her side. She celebrated her 100th birthday on March 17, 2015. Born in La Jose, PA, Inez was the youngest child of Delilah and Cortes Barrett. She was raised on a small mountain farm, attended a one-room grade school, and graduated from Altoona High School in 1933. Inez married William T. Straw of Clearfield County, PA in 1936. They settled in Kentucky where they raised four sons, Bill, John, Dan and Michael. Inez and her family lived many years in Carlisle where she was PTA president, and a leader in the Garden Club, Utopia Club, 4-H Club, Cub Scouts, and many other community organizations. Inez and family moved to Independence, KY in 1962. She served as chairman of the Garden Department of the Covington Art Club, and as a leader of the Utopia Club and the Independence 4-H Club. A devout Christian, Inez was a founding member of the Independence Grace Baptist Church and a long time member of the Florence Baptist Church. She especially loved teaching Sunday School to young women. Passionate about her beliefs, she once spontaneously debated an atheist at the famous Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London. Then 68 years old, she received an ovation from the crowd. Inez was a strong advocate of education. She financially supported her four sons through college by selling the World Book Encyclopedia, which served the dual purpose of stimulating young minds in the community. Her support and encouragement was instrumental in all four sons receiving advanced college degrees. Inez remembered the first time she saw a motorized vehicle, and a few years later, her first airplane. She was able to adapt to a changing world from horse and buggy days, the Great Depression, World War II, men on the moon, and into the digital age. Throughout life's challenges, her foundation was her faith in God. Inez was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, William Straw, and her son Michael Straw. She is survived by sons, Bill (Lois) Straw, Gig Harbor, Washington; John (Paula) Straw, Montrose, Colorado; Dan (Kathy) Straw, Bayfield, Colorado; grandchildren Amy ( Eric) McKee, Denver, Colorado; Greg (Sue) Straw, Morrison, Colorado; Laura Straw Aubert, Denver, Colorado; Jessica Straw, Tampa, Florida; and Susan (Jeff) Topmiller, Independence, KY and great grandchildren Logan and Zoe McKee, Paige Topmiller and Elliot Straw. Friends and family are invited to the Florence Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 23, 10:00 am Visitation, 11:00 am Service, Interment and Reception to follow. Interment will be at the Independence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice of Edgewood, KY; Florence Baptist Church; Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church, Durango, Colorado, or the charity of your choice.