Irene Bostic

Irene Margaret Bostic, 78, daughter of the late LeRoy F. and Violet Koester, was born Feb. 17, 1935, in Oak Park, Ill., and departed this life on May 18, 2013, in Cape Girardeau.

Irene married Charles O. Bostic on July 18, 1959, at Maywood, Ill.

Charlie and Irene fostered more than 450 children over 25 years.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years; her children, Duane (Lindy) Benes of Silverhill, Ala., Debby (Jim) Stokley of Kennett, Mo., Cindy (Ramon) Mendoza of Carlsbad, N.M., Chuck (Sandy) Bostic of Cape Girardeau and Chris (Stewart) Mayberry of Jonesboro, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, Erik Benes, Joseph Stokley, David (Tammy) Barani, Michael (Nikki) Stokley, Benjamin Bostic, Dustin Mayberry, Amanda Bostic, Allison Bostic, Brandon Mayberry and Tim Barani; a step-great-grandson, Jett Thomas Ray; two brothers, Richard Koester of Lombard, Ill., and Russell Koester of Beaver, Ark.; two half-sisters, Doris Gurleve and Fyrn Jasko; a stepsister, Janet Jewell; and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, LeRoy W. Koester and Floyd Koester.

A gathering for friends and family will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Auburn Christian Church. A memorial services will be at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Mount Auburn Christian Church, 930 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or a charity of your choice.

To leave online condolences for the family, please visit crainsonline.com.