Irene Jenkins

Irene E. Jenkins, 89, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, went home to be with the Jesus Thursday, May 7, 2009. She passed away at the Gables at Green Pastures in Marysville, Ohio. She was born February 22, 1920, in Hardin County, Ohio, to the late Marion F. and Clarice V. Phelps Hisel. Also preceding her in death were her sisters, Wynona Smart, Flossie Watkins and Marrietta Galluzzo.

Surviving is her husband, Ronald Jenkins, whom she married September 26, 1945, in Covington, Kentucky. Also surviving are 2 sons, Steven (Martha) Jenkins of Bellefontaine, Jon (Dolores) Jenkins of Zanesfield, Ohio; 3 daughters, Joyce (Mike) Black of Zanesfield, Cherie (Ivon) Brugler of Moral, Ohio, and Christi (Mark) Skidmore of West Mansfield, Ohio; thirteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Irene was a clerk typist and a crew dispatcher for the Penn Central Railroad and retired in 1970.

A devoted wife and mother, she was a member of the Zanesfield Community Chapel for over 60 years, where she was also a member of the Secret Sisters. She was a 1939 Bellefontaine High School graduate and a former Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed working in her garden. Irene was an artistic writer of poetry and was a member of the National Poet Society and had two poems published.

Pastor Keith Matthews will conduct the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Zanesfield Community Chapel, where friends may call one hour prior to the service and Monday, May 11, 2009, from 4 to 7 P.M. Burial will be in the Zanesfield Cemetery.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 2634 Lexington Ave. Springfield, OH 45503

The staff of the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine handled the arrangements.

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