Mescal "Mec" Ann Ira

Mescal "Mec" Ann Ira, 75, of Des Moines passed away April 27, 2023 surrounded by her family. A graveside service will be held at the Berwick Cemetery, NE 62nd Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021 at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Following the graveside service a luncheon will be held at the Sheridan Park United Methodist Church.

 A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 2 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, 4100 E Sheridan, Des Moines, IA 50317. Memorials may be designated to the family to be distributed among organizations close to her heart.

Mescal was born in Cresco, Iowa on January 2, 1948, the second of 7 children born to John and Amy Swacker. Mec grew up and was raised on the East side of Des Moines on 37^th Court, going to school at McKee Elementary, Goodrell Junior High, and East High School. Her roots were always on the East Side and was especially proud of her Class of 1966.  After graduating high school she worked for Ruan and then worked for Armstrong Tire for nearly twenty years as a tire builder.  She then went back to school and started working for the phone company and retired from Qwest Communications.

Mescal was married to Harry James “Jim” Ira, and they were blessed with two children: Chad and Stephanie. And then blessed with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren who were her whole heart.

Family was the most important part of her life. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She never missed an event or activity they were involved in and never hesitated in making many sacrifices for her family. Always a hard worker, Mec worked the 11 – 7 nightshift at Armstrong so she wouldn’t miss a game and could be there for her children when they needed her.  Mec always remained close with her siblings and their families. She absolutely loved it when they could all be together and how they always had a bond that could not be broken. And she would have been so proud and thankful for the care and support given to her and the kids in the last few months of her illness.

There are so many fun things about Mec. Her collections of yo-yos, baskets, and gems are a sight to see. She was a staunch Democrat, if you didn’t agree, you may not have wanted to have that conversation. She was independent, opinionated, and strong-willed but loved you no matter what. She loved her family so much, and was proud of them all.

Mescal will be missed by many. Surviving are her children: Chad (Kristy) Ira and Stephanie (Joe) Lydic; grandchildren: Allee Ira, Bo Ira, Cody (Maggie) Lydic and Madison (Reece) Cracraft; 5 great grandchildren: Ava, Colton, Kinsey, Harley, and Sully; along with her siblings: Mary (Dean) Brown, Margie (Darrell) Brown, John (Ronna) Swacker, Jim (Terrie) Swacker, Marlene (Terry) Dotts, and Marlys Jones; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents: John and Amy Swacker; and husband, Jim Ira.