Irene Esther Coburn, age 77, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on November 23, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. Irene was born to Herbert and Esther (Meinecke) Meyer on October 6, 1948, in Denver, CO. She was raised in Denver, CO and graduated from West High School in 1966. Irene was united in marriage to Glen Coburn on June 24th, 1972, in Littleton, CO. The couple were blessed with two children.
Irene was employed as a Registered Nurse with Denver OB Gyn Associates for almost twenty years before moving to Missouri. She then started working in the home health field with various organizations before retiring around 2008. Irene helped many people throughout her career and formed lasting friendships with her nursing friends. She always had fun stories about their lunches and outings after retirement. Irene was well known for her skills in the kitchen – most notably her famous green chili and tamales. She loved reading books and her People magazines. Nothing, however, brought her more joy and fulfillment than her grandchildren. When her health allowed, you could find Irene everywhere from dance recitals, goat/sheep shows, racetracks, baseball fields, and basketball courts – anywhere her grandkids were being recognized or were performing. Irene will be remembered as a strong lady that survived so many obstacles, loved to have fun, was the backbone of her family and loved them all fiercely.
Irene was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Meyer; mother, Esther Meyer; brother, Merlin Meyer; and husband, Jack Bain. She is survived by her husband, Glen Coburn; son, Eric Coburn and wife Kristi, daughter, Tara New and Jason Reaves; daughter, Brenda Morgan and husband Paul; son, Cliff Bain; grandchildren Bailey, Bristol, Lane, and Jack; sisters-in-law, Louise Meyer, Charlotte Watts, Carolyn Miller, and Shirley Brown.
A Celebration of Life for Irene will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South in Springfield, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Irene’s memory to Seasons Hospice.