MARTHA A. IRETON, 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 8, 2009 at William Newton Hospital.

Born on September 15, 1922 on the family farm near Neosho Falls, Kansas, she was the daughter of Albert O. and Amanda L. (Dennis) Jesseph. She was received her education in Piqua and Iola, Kansas. She later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where she graduated from Tulsa High School in 1938.

She was united in marriage in 1944 to Lloyd A. Sweek and the couple made their home in Wichita, Kansas. In 1948, she began employment at the Wichita Eagle in Wichita where she was an Administrative Assistant to the Publisher. She retired in 1981. Mr. Sweek preceded her in death in 1982. Following retirement, she became an antique dealer with her daughter and granddaughter.

Martha married Theodore J. Harder and the couple made their home in Winfield. He preceded her in death on November 13, 1988.

She was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Ireton on December 5, 1992.

She enjoyed auctions and estate sales with her daughter and granddaughters, dances and travels with her husband, cooking and entertaining for her family and friends, decorating, dressing up and pink roses.

Her family includes:
Her husband: Bob Ireton of the home;
Her daughter: Deanna Ulrich and husband John of Winfield, KS;
Her granddaughters: Jodi Roberts and husband Steve of Winfield, KS; and Jami Holman and husband Brian of Andale, KS;
Her great-grandchildren: Kory Roberts and fiancé Sara Stanley of Minneola, KS; Stevi Jo Roberts of Winfield, KS; Scott Holman of Winfield, KS; David Holman of Andale, KS; and Jeffi Holman of Andale, KS;
Her step-children: Phil Stover and wife Jessie of Winfield, KS; Robert D. Ireton and wife Jennie of Winfield, KS; John Ireton and wife Linda of Salina, KS; Wes Ireton of Winfield, KS; Mike Ireton and wife Joyce of Winfield, KS; Brenda Butters and husband Jim of Winfield, KS;
Her sisters: Alice Schwartz of Winfield, KS; Beulah Purcell of Yates Center, KS; and
Her brother: Dennis Jesseph of Miami, OK.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Lloyd and Ted, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert and Henry; her sister, Margaret Bitz and her great-granddaughter, Kassidy Holman.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:00 A.M., to 12:00 on Saturday at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.

A memorial has been established in Martha's name for the American Leukemia Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.