Clear, 68° F
(Feb. 6, 2010)
Irene Malde Rimbey, 99, died Feb. 6, 2010 at Powell Valley Care Center.
She was born Dec. 20, 1910, in Mount Vernon, S.D. to Severin and Ellen Malde.
Irene was the oldest of four children and a first-generation American. She attended schools in Mount Vernon and Plankinton, S.D.
In 1930, she married Earl W. James. They farmed for a few years in Kansas and then moved to Powell in 1934, where they enjoyed hunting, fishing and the beauty of Wyoming. Earl died in 1940.
Irene stayed in Wyoming, working many different jobs. She met and married Merle “Jake” Rimbey in April 1941. Jake and Irene bought a farm north of Garland, where they worked for more than 20 years. Their only son, John, was born in 1942.
Irene was a hard worker who enjoyed people and working to help others. She was active in several clubs, including Rotana, VFW, Cottonwood Club and the Eagles. She was a charter member of the BPO Does in Powell. She later joined the Cody Does and served as the chapter president in 1984.
Irene and Jake sold their farm in the 1960s and traveled the United states for a couple of years before settling in Cody. She lived and worked in Cody until moving into The Heartland assisted living center and, later, the Powell Valley Care Center.
Irene loved Yellowstone National Park and all its beauty. She enjoyed dancing, socializing and reading, and she continued attending Does and Eagles functions until the time of her death.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Jake, in 2002; her brothers, Edwin and John; her sister, Selma; and her first husband, Earl.
She is survived by her son John Rimbey (Nancy) of Cody; granddaughter Amy Tardiff (David) of Cody; sisters-in-law Wilma Groen, Mary Ellen Malde and Dorothy Malde; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and according to her wishes, no services are planned. Memorial donations in Irene’s name may be made to the Powell Eagles Auxiliary #242, BPO Does #29 of Cody or the VFW Auxiliary #267 in Cody, or to the charity of one’s choice.
