Irene Sparks Love, 91, of Bowling Green passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Charter Senior Living. She was born in Gradyville, KY on March 28, 1933, the sixth of nine children to John Wess and Elva Hunter Sparks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by several siblings.

Irene was a proud and dedicated alumna of the old Breeding High School, Class of 1950 and attended WKU nontraditional.

She was married to George Marshall Love, Jr. on November 1, 1952 who preceded her in death on March 23, 2018. Together they owned and operated the photographic shop for many years known as Love's Studio.

Irene was an avid reader. She enjoyed doing book reviews and portraying literary characters. She was known for her presentations to various civic and literary groups and was an active member of First Christian Church over 60 years.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 pm on Friday, April 26 at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, April 26 at the funeral home.

Mrs. Love is survived by a son, Robert Patteson Love (Ronna Wilder); a granddaughter, Joyce Megan-Love Sukrattanawong (Gary); a grandson, George Matthew Love (Mary Turner); three great-granddaughters, Roux-Love Sukrattanawong, Riley Katherine Love and Parker Celeste Love.