Irene Patton Oen, age 89 of Wapakoneta, passed away peacefully, Tuesday morning, August 29, 2023, at The Landings of Westerville, Ohio.
She was born on July 28, 1934, in Hardin County to the late Fred and Myrtle (Arnett) Haney. Irene grew up in a Pentecostal lifestyle, one similar to the Little House on The Prairie. In a good and wholesome home in which strangers needing a place to stay were welcome.
After introduced by family, in 1949 she married Franklin P. Patton, he was a pipe fitter and together they made a homestead, and raised their family through thick and thin. Sadly after 37 years, Franklin passed away in 1986 and Irene’s life was forever changed.
Irene’s life centered on caring for the needs of her family, she was a wonderful homemaker, mother, and wife. Skilled with a needle and thread, she sewed from cut-out patterns, making sure everyone had nice clothes to wear. She treasured her family and tending to her flowers and yard. She was a wonderful cook and her table was always open. She made sure all who entered her home enjoyed a home-cooked meal. Her pasta, potato salad, and home baked pies was long be remembered.
Witty and with a dry sense of humor, Irene possessed many qualities, especially a strong was to live. She loved hard and was loved by many more than her own in return, especially her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her friendly nature and welcoming smile was certainly be missed, just as her love of family and delicious home-cooked meals.
Those left to cherish her memory include beloved daughters Kathy (Paul) Geren of Jensen Beach, FL, Vicki (Neil) Dillenbeck of Grand Rapids, MI, Karita (Tom) Mechenbier of Columbus; 6 grandchildren: Sasha (Matt) Melendy, Clint Allen, D. Kelly Dawson, Dustin Dawson, Chad (Sierra) Patton, and Stacey (Shane) Lawrence; 7 great-grandchildren: Jackson and Claire Melendy, Tavin Allen, Kenzie Dawson, Ty, Kylie, and Carter Lawrence; sister Jeanie Halsell with whom she was very close.
On June 21, 1991, she married her second husband of 32 years, James Oen who survives in Wapakoneta; along with step-children: Rick Oen, Rachel Oen, Joy Schmerge, Rex (Jennifer) Oen, and Ralph (Danielle) Oen, as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents and first husband, she was also preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law: Lary Patton in 2004 and Linda Patton in 2020; sisters: Ruby Haney, Ethel Sawyer, Hazel Collins; brothers Elmer, Carl, Charles, and James Haney, step-son-in-law Ed Schmerge, step-daughter-in-law Bobbie Morey.
Friends may call on Tuesday, September 5th from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio 43015, where services was followed at 5:30 p.m. and Chaplain Jane Hablitzel was officiated, private burial was take place at Walnut Hill Cemetery near New Hampshire, Ohio.
She loved flowers, but also contributed to the American Heart Association, 9825 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 and Kidney Foundation, 2831 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
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