Irene Ruby Mitchell Mowan peacefully went to be with Our Lord just one month before her 100th birthday while at the Hospice Home in Kennewick, Wash. She was surrounded by family and looked forward to spending eternity with her Lord and Savior.

Irene was born in Backus, Minn., to Edward and Martha Mitchell. She had one brother and was the oldest of four sisters. They lost their mother in childbirth when Irene was just 16. She lovingly took on the responsibilities of caring for her siblings while helping her father run the family farm. She married the love of her life, Alva A. Mowan, in Backus, Minn., in 1936. In August of 1942 they loaded up their Model A with two kids and moved to Hermiston, Ore. They moved to Pendleton, Ore., in 1959. They had 28 happy years together before the Lord called Alva home in November of 1964.

Irene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always put her family first. She loved to cook, sew, paint ceramics, bowl and spend time with her family. She and her four sisters were known as the “Giggle Sisters.” They laughed, loved, joked and enjoyed their time together. She was always there when her family needed her to lend support and love.

Preceded in death by husband Alva A. Mowan; brother Lawrence Mitchell; sisters Wilma Duncan, Elsie Giles, Florence Hill and Ester Beck; a baby girl, Donna Lee; and great-grandson Jason Shell.

She is survived by children Joyce Rollins, Dale Mowan and spouse Irene, Gail Perry and spouse Ron; daughter-in-law Janet Mowan and son-in-law Ray Rollins; seven grandchildren, DuRae Reece, Denise Brown, Allen Rollins, Tracey Brunning, Lonni Mowan, Brenda Shell and Curtis Perry; eight great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; stepsister Suzie and spouse Virgil Bowling; special friend Jo Manny; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene lived the last four years in Carriage House at Guardian Angel Care in Richland, Wash., where she was blessed with loving and nurturing caregivers that became like family. We appreciate the care they gave her.

Thank you to The Chaplaincy that gave her Hospice care and to the Hospice Home in Kennewick were she spent the last few days. They provided love, compassion and support for our Mom and also for her family.

In lieu of flowers our family request donations to “The Chaplaincy,” 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements.