Irma L. Born

Irma Lorraine (Fillmore) Born passed away November 10, 2024, at her home in Lebo.

 She was born July 3, 1928 at home on the family farm in Osage County, Kansas the daughter of Fred and Ethel Roakey Fillmore. 

 Irma grew up on a farm in southern Osage County on the north side of the Marais des Cygnes River. Her grandfather, Cyrus Fillmore, bought the farm after the Civil War ended when he came to Kansas in 1867. It was in the Fillmore family from 1867 until the government bought the land to make way for the building of the new Melvern Lake in 1970.

 She graduated from Osage City High School in 1946. She and a friend had their own business as seamstresses, and Irma worked at an Osage City bakery where she learned to decorate wedding cakes, a talent that would prove to be a cornerstone throughout her life.

 Irma was joined in marriage to John E. Born on September 10, 1950 on her family farm north of Lebo. They farmed and owned and operated laundromats in Burlington, Lebo and Osage City for over 30 years. After her marriage, she made over 50 wedding and anniversary cakes for family and friends. She was a caregiver at heart. Just one example of this was when she brought her mother into her home and took care of her during the final three years of her mother's life. 

 She was a faithful member of the Lebo United Methodist Church and for years was an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was known for the beautiful handmade items she contributed to the church bazaar each year. She created many prizewinning floats for the Lebo annual Fourth of July Celebrations. She made beautiful quilts and loved to prepare holiday meals for her family.

 Irma was a staunch fan of the Lebo Wolves, and attended many baseball, basketball and volleyball games each season.

 She will live on in the hearts and memories of her two children: John Edgar Born and wife Linda, and Amy Jarvis and husband John, both of Lebo; her five grandchildren: John Lee Jarvis, Lebo; Jacob Jarvis, Kansas City; Jamie Jarvis, Lawrence; Melinda Rausch and husband Brian and Jonathan Born and wife Nicole, both of Lebo; her six great-grandchildren: Daniel Rausch, Logan Rausch, Isaac Rausch, Lydia Rausch, Rebekah Born, and Kathryn Born, all of Lebo. Two sisters, Ruthie Romine of Osage City and Anna Belle Bolejack of Tucson, Arizona; a brother, Clyde Fillmore of Osage City. Irma was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, John E. Born on May 1st of this year; her parents, Fred and Ethel (Roakey) Fillmore, and seven brothers: Paul (Bud), Robert, Dean, John, Edd, Fred, and Keith Fillmore.

 Irma had a bright smile, an infectious laugh, and was a loyal and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

  There will be a visitation from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M., Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lebo/Olivet United Women of Faith or the Lebo High School Athletic Fund and sent in care of the funeral home.