Irene (Freeman) Bottom

Irene Freeman Bottom, 86, of Lexington, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at Fleming County Hospital in Flemingsburg after a brief stay at Pioneer Trace Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.  She was the widow of Gilbert “Bruce” Bottom.

Irene was born in Harrodsburg, KY on April 24, 1937. Her parents were the late Garfield and Effie Teater Freeman of Harrodsburg.

Irene was a graduate of Harrodsburg High School, class of 1955.  She and Bruce were high school sweethearts and married when she was 17 so she could accompany him to Alaska where he was stationed in the US Army.

She was employed as Bookkeeper/Receptionist for Dr. Betty Wheeler for many years and was Office Manager of All-Rite Pest Control from 1985 until her retirement in 2000.

Irene was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of Tates Creek Christian Church.  She was a resident of Lexington, KY and spent many winters at her home in Bonita Springs, FL. 

Irene loved her family, friends, and her church family.  She enjoyed spending time with all of them, especially if it involved eating out! 

She is survived by one daughter, Terri Clark of Flemingsburg; grandchildren: Courtney (Bryan) Becknell, Chip (Kayla) Clark, Cole (Robbie) Clark, Mackenzie (Matt) Frankenburger, Morgan Miller, Landon (Mikeh) Miller, Kennedy Miller, Konner Miller, and Kaden Miller as well as 16 great grandchildren: Ella and Molly Becknell; Emery, Stetson, and Lainey Clark; Colbie Clark; Stone Dunaway; Braxton, Cason, Finley, and Knox Frankenburger; Jhett Hayden; Logan, Lexton, and Lucy Miller; and Jaxson Sewell.  She is also survived by her niece, Melinda (Bobby) Reister; nephew, Mitch (Sherry) Cocanougher; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa "Mickey" Miller, her sister Anne as well as her 13 half brothers and sisters.

Private services were held on April 5, 2024 at the Chapel at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens where she was laid to rest beside her husband. The service was officiated by Bruce Carpenter. Boone-Nickell Funeral Home in Flemingsburg cared for the arrangements. 

Pallbearers include Chip Clark, Cole Clark, Landon Miller, Konner Miller, Kaden Miller, Matt Frankenburger, and Bryan Becknell.

Please consider a donation in memory of Irene to the Cancer Care Club who lovingly supported and encouraged Irene throughout her cancer journey (PO Box 189, Flemingsburg, KY 41041).

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