Irene Marie (Higginbotham) Eller, affectionately known as Gana Ree to her family, passed away at the age of 96 in the early morning hours of March 10, 2024. Born on July 26, 1930, in St. Augustine, she remained in her beloved hometown her entire life. A devoted homemaker, Irene took great pride in the family she raised and cherished the many travels she shared with her husband, Charles Ray Eller, whom she married in 1946, as well as with dear friends across the country and at sea.
After a long life marked by decades of change, Irene is now reunited in heaven with her parents, Elijah and Mary (Crews) Higginbotham, three siblings, and many lifelong friends. She is survived by her four daughters, Sherry Stoppelbein, Susan Eller Roboch, Francie Temple, and Pamela Ray Taylor, along with more than 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she knew by name.
Those who loved Irene will remember her encouragement to explore new places, enjoy good meals, and build families filled with the same deep love she gave to her own. In her absence, many will find comfort in planting camellias and watching her favorite film, Gone with the Wind.
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