Irene Garval (née Biro), 83, passed away on January 28, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. Born on April 14, 1941, in Budapest, Hungary, Irene’s life was marked by resilience, devotion to family, and an unwavering spirit.
In 1957, Irene left Hungary and came to the United States, where she began working in a hospital Diet Kitchen. It was there she met a family who welcomed her with open arms and made her feel at home from the very first day. She was fortunate since her new mom (Maria Ritter) spoke Hungarian. She learned English and German from her now three sisters. At the age of 19, she married Peter Ruderschmidt, with whom she had two children. She later worked as a supervisor at Peerless Confection Company, where she dedicated herself to raising her children as a hardworking single mother until her retirement.
In September of 1987, Irene married Jordan Garval. They lived in Skokie, Illinois, before moving to Huntley, Illinois, where she remained until relocating to Ames in June 2022 to be closer to family.
Irene is survived by her son Gunther (Anita) Ruderschmidt of Fort Worth, Texas; her daughter Sylvia (Matthew) McGee of Ames, Iowa; and her beloved grandchildren Christopher (Elizabeth) Ruderschmidt, Ryan (Stephanie) Ruderschmidt, Jacob (Elizabeth) McGee, and Magdalene McGee (Nolan). She was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Natasha and Hailey. Irene leaves behind her sisters Maria, Elizabeth, and Hilda, as well as nieces and nephews. She also cherished the great friends who became family to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gustav Biro and Amalia Kovach; her beloved sister; her Grandparents; her American parents Maria and Peter Ritter; her late husband Jordan Garval; and her ex-husband Peter Ruderschmidt.
A devout Catholic, Irene prayed daily for her family and friends. She faced many hardships throughout her life but always carried a deep love for those closest to her. Known for speaking her mind with honesty—often saying, "I speak the truth” she was unapologetically herself. Her humor remained intact until the very end.
Irene found joy in cooking and often believed it was her duty to feed the entire neighborhood. She loved dressing up and dancing whenever she had the chance. Raising her children as a single mother was both a challenge and a source of pride for her. She often said that they "grew up together," learning from each other as they navigated life between European traditions and American ways.
A funeral service will be held on March 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 10307 Dundee Rd., Huntley, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a service at 10:00 AM and her final resting place in her "condo".
Irene’s passing was sudden, but those who knew her take comfort in knowing she is at peace in the place she longed to be. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a loving mother, grandmother/Nani, Grani, sister, aunt, and friend. Those who loved her now have an angel watching over them.
Love you always.
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