"LuAnn and family- sorry to hear of your mom's passing--wish I would have known her, having such a loving daughter as you are."
In loving memory of
Irene LaVerne Brentnall
May 8, 1926 - June 14, 2012
Irene LaVerne Downing Brentnall was born May 8, 1926 on her family's farm near Casey, Iowa. Irene attended schools in Guthrie and Adair counties, and graduated high school with a Normal Training Certificate.
Irene taught in several rural and consolidated schools in Adair County, Dallas Center and Wiota. She also attended the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she met William Dale Brentnall. Irene and Dale married on June 3, 1951.
In 1953, Irene and Dale moved to Ames, Iowa, where they raised their three children, Lu Ann, Dean and Barbara. In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Irene became deeply involved in community organizations, including Campfire Girls, the Ames Women's Club, and PEO. Irene was a deacon member at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, and volunteered at the Worldly Goods Store and the Mary Greeley Hospitality Shop in Ames.
Irene had many special hobbies, including cooking, embroidery, gardening and traveling. While Irene had many interests, none could parallel the love and devotion she gave to her family. She enjoyed attending family events, from reunions to sporting events.
Irene passed peacefully on June 14, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Dale; two daughters Lu Ann and Barb; a son Dean; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Glen and May (Sharon) Downing, siblings Lloyd and Velma and grandson, Kevin.
Irene was a woman with a lifetime of faith, love, care and devotion for her family. She has touched many hearts and will be deeply missed.
A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19 from 4:00-7:00p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care in Ames. A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 at 10:30a.m. at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames.
Memorials may be directed to Collegiate Presbyterian Church, PEO HO Chapter, Israel Family Hospice House and Reiman Gardens all of Ames.
On line condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Lu Ann, many hugs and prayers to you and your family from an old classmate of yours at AHS~ Liz Pier. Know that strength, hope and love are always surrounding you."
" Dale , so sorry about your loss. I helped at the hop shop at Hospital with Irene. Such a lovely lady. my sympathies to you and your family. Joan craig"
"Lu Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Losing a parent is very difficult. Please know you are in my prayers. "
"We are pleased to have known Irene and hope you can treasure the memories of what a wonderful woman she was."
"Dear Dale please accept our condolences. For many years my wife and Irene would sit and laugh as you and I did are things at national conventions.
Pat and I will always remember Irene's smile.
"
"Our condolences to the Brentnall family. Irene was a gracious lady married to a gracious man. I got to know her when I subbed at Fellows many years.
Marianne "
"Please accept our condolences. The Izaak Walton Family will truly miss her. Virginia Divison"
"Lu Ann, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. I remember her well from our years of friendship. Prayers go out to you and your family."
"Dale & family:
Please accept my condolences.
Thinking of you."
"Irene is a lady I came to admire after becoming acquainted with her in my early days as a Chapter HO PEO member. "