Irene "Girly" Phyllis Courtright

Irene Courtright passed away peacefully Dec. 16, 2008 at the age of 86.

Irene was born to John and Kathleen Roy Dec. 24, 1921 in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.

She was raised in Australia and was married in Australia to Leslie Charles Courtright of Carson City Feb. 5, 1944. She met Leslie "Les" while he was stationed in Australia as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. They were married for 45 wonderful years before Les passed away in 1989. Being the wife of a 30-year career Navy Warrant Officer, Irene traveled to and lived in many countries including returning to her homeland down under to live for several years but she always came back to Carson City and considered it her home. She became an American citizen May 10, 1951. After living almost 60 years as an American she still spoke with an Aussie accent. She would never miss her daily teatime and her welcome mat greeted you with "Good Day Mate". As she would always say, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl".

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Les and brother John "Ron" Roy.

She is survived by her brother Edward "Ted" Roy of Brisbane, Australia; children Rose Pickles of Victoria, Canada, Lesley Denise Courtright-Herl of Albany, Ore., Ronald Courtright (Kathy) of Albany, Ore., and Linda Roberto (Art) of Reno. She has 13 beloved grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in both the United States and Australia.

Respecting Irene's wishes, no public services will be held. The family will have a private celebration of her life.

"Put my ashes out to sea as my dear loved one is waiting for me. Hopefully the waves will wash them up on some distant shore so as we can live in eternity for evermore." By Irene P. Courtright