MRS IRENE EMILY Obituary (1924

Surrounded by her family, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Irene Hembree passed away peacefully Thursday, December s". She was 89 years old. She was born in on December 3rd, 1924 and grew up in Yakima Washington, graduating from Yakima High in the class of 1943 1/2. She later married Merle Paul Hembree on December 31st, 1950 and for the next 55 years shared their lives in Yakima raising their two sons. She worked for United Pacific Reliance Insurance Company for 26 years then with Terril, Lewis Wilke Insurance for 8 years. After her retirement, Paul and Irene traveled throughout the central and western states. She was an active member of Broadway Christian Church until its disbandment, serving as the church treasurer for many years along with being active in its many activities and small groups. She especially loved animals, cross-word puzzles, sewing, needle point, gardening and time with her family. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star ladies shrine organization and was active with the Ladies of the Chelminar Grotto and Chelminar Club. While with the ladies shrine she held the office of secretary for a time. Her and husband Paul were probably more active during retirement then when working. They volunteered to staff the coffee booth at Indian John Hill rest area which they both enjoyed thoroughly because of the people they met. She was always there to help and serve whether at a church, shrine or veterans function. At home, there was always a pot of coffee brewing. There was never an appointment required, drop-ins were always welcome to a cup of coffee and a snack. Mom and Dad would stop whatever they were doing and visit without rush. She loved to play pinochle and every year to celebrate their New Year's Eve wedding anniversary, her and dad hosted a pinochle party at their home with their closest friends from church. Our mother spent the last year of her life in the memory care unit at Garden Village Nursing Home from the effects of Alzheimer's. Even with this vicious affliction, she always seemed to keep her dignity, grace and wit. Even towards the end she would acknowledge the person with her with a smile which would light up a room or a passing comment about something or other. She touched the lives of the staff who cared for her as was evident by their tears up to and at the time of her passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Merle Paul Hembree, brother Thomas Young and his wife Gina Young and great grandson Joshua Gundersen. She is survived by her two sons Richard Hembree and his wife Elizabeth of Yakima and Ronald Hembree of Phoenix, AZ. Granddaughters Rachel and husband Vernon Margheim of Yakima, Suzanne and husband Walter Gundersen of Bend,OR. and Emily Hembree of Yakima.Great-grandsons Joseph and Jacob Margheim and Zachary, Benjamin and Tyler Gundersen. Great-grandaughters Caitlin and Emily Gundersen. Niece Kathi Swanson of Cle-Elurn WA. and nephew Dennis Young of Ellensburg WA. A graveside Service will be held on Tuesday December 10, 2013 at 1:00pm at West Hills Memorial Park, 11800 Douglas Rd, Yakima, WA 98909. To share a story or a condolence with Irene's family please visit www.shawandsons.com.