Martha Ann Irelan's Obituary
Martha Ann Irelan, age 90, of Centerville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living in Centerville, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on August 4, 1935, Martha was the daughter of Orvil and Frances (Korte) Hetzler. She graduated with the Moulton High School with the Class of 1952 and went on to further her education in bookkeeping-skills that would serve her well throughout her life. Martha was united in marriage to Gerald Irelan on February 5, 1956, in Centerville, Iowa. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, faith in one another, and devotion to family. From this union, two children were born, Max and Nancy.
Martha was a dedicated and meticulous bookkeeper for Irelan Oil Company, where she worked alongside her husband as co-owner, helping the business thrive through her steady diligence and attention to detail. Later, from 1990 until her retirement in 2005, she worked in the cash office at the north Walmart in Centerville, where her reliability and friendly presence made her a valued part of the team.
Beyond her work, Martha embraced life with enthusiasm. She cherished her winters in Arizona, where sunshine and new adventures awaited. She was an avid basketball fan, faithfully cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes women's team and watching the Indiana Fever. Whether watching a game or enjoying a quiet evening, Martha found joy in life's simple pleasures.
Above all, Martha treasured her family. Time spent together-sharing meals, stories, laughter, and milestones-meant everything to her. Her love was steady, generous, and deeply felt by all who knew her. Martha will be remembered for her quiet strength, warm heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched throughout her 90 remarkable years.
Those left to cherish Martha's memory include her daughter, Nancy (Rodney) Stickler; her grandchildren, Nick Irelan, Elizabeth Irelan, Sammy Irelan, Kaitlin (Jeff) Woodward, and Taylor (Saúl) Phillips-Carreño-Cordova; her step-grandchildren, Ashleigh Stickler, and Owen (Casey) Stickler; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Orvil and Frances Hetzler; her husband, Gerald Irelan in 1998; her son, Max Irelan in 2020; and her siblings, Max Hetzler, MaryEtta Lake, and Lucian Schrodt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Larry Bettis officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sunset View Cemetery in Moulton. Visitation will take place, Monday, February 16, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Memorials have been established to either Furever Friends Rescue or Cat Connections, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Irelan Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?
