With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Ina Strain of Vero Beach, FL.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Ina held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What Ina believed shaped how she loved.
Ina Gore Strain went to be with the Lord on April 24, 2026, at the age of 90.
Ina was born in Traverse City, MI to Leslie and Ivah Gore. She was the youngest of eight children and had a happy childhood growing up on a cherry farm with her siblings and parents. As a teen, she was crowned Cherry Princess and was known for her beautiful singing voice. Ina attended Michigan State and received a Teaching degree. Along with three other teaching graduates, Ina decided to work for a year in MI, followed by a year in FL, then a year each in CA and HI. She (and her three friends) only got as far as Miami, FL where she met the love of her life, Tom, on a blind date. They married just a few months later and were blessed to have 63 years together.
The newlyweds settled in Miami and after 5 years of teaching Ina became a mother and homemaker. She and Tom raised their two daughters in a loving home, and Ina always prioritized her family. Vacations were stations wagon trips to visit grandparents, and weekend family getaways to Vero Beach from Miami.
Ina began a career in real estate on Key Biscayne and continued that career as the family moved to Tequesta in 1980 and eventually to Vero in 1988. She loved her time working at Alex McWilliams and was joined there by her husband Tom upon his retirement from banking. Her favorite hobbies were tennis, beach combing, and dining out with friends. Ina was also a talented artist and had a great appreciation for nature. A church home and Bible Study groups were always an important part of Ina's life.
Ina found tremendous joy in her role as a grandmother and had close relationships with her 4 granddaughters. She never missed an event as the girls were growing up and was an essential part of their lives. She passed on several of her talents to the girls and can be seen in each of them.
Ina will be remembered for her laughter and jokes, her tireless caring for others, and her deep love of family. She is survived by her daughters Linda Faust (husband Boyd, Vero Beach), Kim Sparger (husband Todd, Port Orange), granddaughters Courtney Sparger Miller (husband Andy, Mountain View, CA), Lauryn Sparger (Notre Dame, IN), Carter Faust (San Francisco, CA) and Hallie Faust (Los Angeles, CA).
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church, 3755 Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32963. At the request of the family, please wear your most colorful attire.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church Home – Christ by the Sea UMC or Indian River Habitat for Humanity Home – Indian River Habitat.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
