Aneta Nadine Ireland

Aneta Nadine Ireland, 76, of Independence, MO, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023. She was born on January 23, 1946, in Logan, Kansas to parents Arthur and Violet Ruff. Aneta was very proud of her Kansas roots. Her family made many memories growing up on the Ruff family farm, purchased when her grandparents immigrated from Germany in the early 1900s. She graduated from Logan High School in 1964 and continued to attend reunions with her classmates for many years. Aneta went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Fort Hays Kansas State College where she was also an active Sorority member. She and her sister, LeAnn, spent a Summer together working in Kansas City where she was introduced to the love of her life, Kenneth Ireland, and his precious daughter Vicki. They were married on August 26, 1968. Just a few days later, Ken was stationed on an Army base in Germany. Aneta shortly followed him, spending their first 3 years of marriage getting a taste of her family’s German heritage. They spent time enjoying the culture, learning the language, seeing the sites, and making lifelong friends. After returning to the States, they purchased their home and began growing their family. Aneta continued her accounting career at several banks in downtown Kansas City, including Commerce Bank and UMB, where she served several years as a Trust Officer. Upon semi-retiring she worked as her church’s Administrative Assistant/Accountant and finally completed her working career in Accounting for the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri.
Aneta enjoyed traveling often, accompanied by family or various friend groups. Playing the saxophone (in high school) and the piano, fueled her love for music, plays, and theatre. She loved turtles, ending up with quite an extensive collection. Aneta strived to serve her community. She was a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King, and the Christian Women’s Club. Aneta was also a Sunday School Teacher, a Girl Scout Leader, and a Room Mother for her children’s many classes, along with supporting Ken and Kelley’s Boy Scout ventures in numerous ways. Her neighbors were very important to her and became like family. She even became known as, “The Candy Lady,” to the neighborhood children. Time with her grandchildren made up a big part of her life, which included attending all of their performances and events. “Grandma ‘Neta” loved having the grandkids over often for visits or sleepovers. She always made sure they felt special with homemade valentines and little gifts for every holiday imaginable.
Aneta is survived by her husband Kenneth Ireland, son Kelley (Jennifer) Ireland, daughters Vicki Arnold and Kathy (Lance) Kolie, grandchildren James (Rachel) Arnold, Anna (Dylan) Gregory, Caleb Ireland, Bethany Ireland, Sarah Ireland, Miriam Ireland, Nathan Ireland, Karoline Kolie, Aaron Kolie, and Elaina Kolie, great-grandchildren Katelyn and Jackson Arnold, brother John Ruff, honorary granddaughters Faith and Sommer Hogan, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Violet Ruff and sister LeAnn Haling.
A memorial service will be held for Aneta at 2pm on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E 39th St Independence, MO) with a Homegoing Reception / Visitation to follow from 3:30-5:30pm at Lux Premiere Event Space (17000 E US 40 Hwy Suite 5, Independence, MO). Online condolences can be made at speakschapel.com