Irene Whitling, 90, formerly of Blairs Corners went to be with her Lord on September 26, 2016.

She was born June 28, 1926 in West Monterey, PA to the late Brint W. Kriebel & Bernice M. (Barger) Kriebel.

On August 5, 1942 at Parker, PA she married Harry E. (Buss) Whitling. Their marriage spanned 64 years until his death in November of 2006.

Harry and Irene had three sons: Larry E. (deceased), Les O. (who lives in Russell, PA with wife Connie) and Arlie G. (of Emlenton, PA). They also had two daughters: Bonnie K. Greer and Valerie J. Wetzel.

Bonnie lives in Los Angeles, CA with husband Michael Greer, while Valerie lives in Ocala, FL with husband Richard Wetzel. Larry’s widow Helen Whitling resides in Parker where in recent years she has been Irene’s devoted companion.

Irene has 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren. She is survived by two sisters, Gloria J. Matthews (Brint) of Erie, PA and Mona F. Parks of Knox, PA. Irene’s brother Harvey Kriebel and wife Pat K. of Erie are both deceased.

Irene was a vital and energetic member of her family, church and community. She enjoyed making things happen with her hands. She had a lifelong passion for gardening, canning, quilting and cooking. For eight summers she worked for the Flowermill greenhouses. She also worked for Emco Mills in Emlenton before starting her own home bakery, where she was known for her bread, cinnamon rolls and specialty cakes. She and her husband established their own retail and greenhouse businesses. Their carefully-nurtured produce was a regular feature of the Farmer’s Market in Emlenton.

Irene’s faith was a powerful force in her life and she acted upon it to make her community a better place. She attended New Zion E.C. Church in Emlenton for 25 years, where she held many offices, including secretary and treasurer of the Ladies Missionary Fellowship, leader of the Children’s Mission, Sunday School teacher and steward in the church.

In 1983 Irene and her husband Buss bought a home in Blair’s Corners, where they remained until his passing. Their extra-large garden generated first-rate produce for sale, attracting customers from all around. After a couple of visits, however, their customers were usually converted to friends, joining the ranks of those with whom they shared gardening tips, tales of local history, general wisdom and, from Buss, the occasional tall tale that Irene had to debunk.

During this period in her life she attended Turkey City Church of God, where she remained active for the remainder of her years. Here she was part of a true church family, finding brothers and sisters with whom she was bound by her love of Christ and of each other.

Near the end of her life, Irene told her friends and family, “I am going to be with the Lord.” And there are none who doubt that she is with Him now.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday September 28, 2016 at the McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home 504 East Penn Ave., Knox and from 10 to 11 am Thursday at the Turkey City Church of God, 479 Turkey Hill Road, Turkey City.

Funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday in the church with Pastor Korona Say of the Turkey City Church of God officiating.

Interment will follow at the Monroe Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Keystone SMILES Community Learning Center, PO Box 352, Knox PA 16232.

To view and share photos or leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com