Irma Letitia Muir, 96, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022, with family at her side. Born January 27, 1926, in Mabton, Washington, Irma was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Walls. She was preceded in death by her only brother, Clyde Walls.
The family later moved to Napa, California where Irma attended elementary school. When Irma was 16, the family moved to Brookfield, Missouri where she was a cheerleader and graduated with honors.
After high school, Irma enrolled at the Kirksville State Teachers College. During this time, Irma met Roy Joe Beets who was serving in the Navy as a submariner. After the war ended, Irma and Joe were married and lived in Kirksville, Missouri, where they raised their four sons.
While raising her family, Irma first worked as a night auditor at the Traveler’s Hotel in Kirksville. In the early 60’s, Irma was hired as head of the stenographic office at Northeast Missouri State University (NMSU). During her employment, as Director of Printing Services, she oversaw the growth of the small stenographic office into a modern printing department which created publications representing NMSU worldwide. Irma attended conferences across the United States to stay abreast of the continued advancements in technology. Irma forged many lifetime friendships during those conferences. She was very proud of the publications her office produced and was the recipient of many service awards during her tenure at NMSU, later named Truman State University (TSU).
While employed at TSU, Irma was chair of the 1985 United Way campaign, reaching the goal and beyond. She was a lifetime member of the Association of College and University Printers. She received numerous letters of appreciation and thanks for her professional work at the printing service.
Irma was proud to say that all four sons attended NMSU and three completed their degrees there. Irma retired from TSU in 1992, from a position and an institution that she dearly loved.
Irma loved to have fun and enjoyed several sports. She played tennis. She also played outfield on her beloved Kinkajous softball team for the city league. Irma bowled on several leagues. She started playing golf after her sons presented her with a set of golf clubs as a retirement gift.
It was during her early retirement years that Irma met and began to date a widower, Joe Muir. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1996 at the “The Little White Chapel” in Las Vegas. Shortly after marriage, they invested in a retirement property at a mobile home park in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they would spend winters and enjoy playing golf, cards, and pool with several Canadian “snowbirds” and other friends. Irma and Joe enjoyed taking cruises to Alaska and vacationed in Mexico and Hawaii. They loved dancing and spending time with friends. Joe fell ill and passed away in 2009.
After Joe’s death, Irma continued to winter in Arizona, playing golf and spending time with friends. When Irma turned 90, her friends at the park and several family members held a birthday party in her honor. In later years, Irma sold the Arizona property and returned to live fulltime in Kirksville.
Irma loved her family with unconditional love. Many of the younger generation still refer to her as “Grandma.” Irma loved to babysit the young ones and prepare delightful meals, always with a smile on her face. Her family meant the world to her.
Irma is survived by her four sons and spouses: Larry (Cindy) Beets of Orange Beach, Alabama; Ray (Michelle) Beets of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Michael (Diana) Beets of Kirksville; and Jay (Billie) Beets of Kirksville. Grandchildren include: Lisa Beets Todd, Terry Beets, Kelly Beets, Michael Spalding, Nicole Oberkirsch, Richard Limbert, Mason Beets, and Madeline Beets. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren, and several nieces
A celebration of Irma’s life with family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Kirksville Country Club.