Irma McCaleb
Irma McCaleb passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 95 years old.
Irma was born in Straka Kreis Dux, Czechoslovakia on May 2, 1930, and raised in the town of Eger in the former Sudetenland. Following World War II, she and her family were displaced and migrated to Germany, where she continued to build a life shaped by resilience, strength, and love.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, N.E. McCaleb; her parents, Anton and Josephine Guhl of Germany; her sisters, Maria Kollmer, Annie Schmitt, and Hilde Landwehr, all of Germany; and her son-in-law, Ken Shelton.
Irma is survived by her devoted children: Richard McCaleb (Soddy Daisy), Mary Eason (Ringgold), Betty Shelton (Red Bank), Debbie (Gary) Farmer (Ooltewah), David (Robin) McCaleb (Hixson), and Glen (Darlene) McCaleb (Dayton). She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Trautel Mullins (Richmond, Virginia); five beloved grandchildren: Matthew Eason, Craig Shelton, Samantha Thompson, Brittany Despaux, and Paige McCaleb; and two great-grandchildren, Luke Despaux and Rori Thompson.
Irma had a deep love for gardening and took special joy in tending to her flowers—especially lily of the valley and violets. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and celebration, where she lovingly prepared meals for large family gatherings, particularly during the holidays. Her warmth, devotion, and enduring love for her family were the heart of her life.
Irma was of the Catholic faith, and her beliefs were a quiet but steady presence in the way she lived—rooted in compassion, humility, and love.
The visitation for Irma will be held at Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace on Wednesday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The graveside service will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens at 12:30 p.m.
In honor of Irma’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Hearth Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during Irma’s final days. Their kindness brought great comfort to both her and her loved ones.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn., www.LaneFH.com, 423 877-3524.