L. Irene Hoverman, 91 years old of Willshire, Ohio, passed away at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011 at her granddaughter's residence in Willshire, Ohio. Irene was born on Friday, February 13, 1920 in Willshire, Ohio the daughter of the late Floyd L. Strickler and the late Nellie (Stetler) Strickler. She married the late Merl F. Hoverman on July 17, 1938 in Cridersville, Ohio and he passed away on February 20, 1957. Irene was a member of the Praise Point United Brethren Church; where she taught Sunday School, served as assistant superintendent and served on the church board. She was also a member of the Homer Pierson American Legion Auxiliary and the Willshire Senior Citizens. Irene was retired from the Willshire Variety Store in 1985 after 26 years of service. She had previously owned and operated the Willshire Gulf Station from 1952 to 1957. Surviving are her daughter, Sharon (Farrel) Krall of Willshire, Ohio; daughter, Karen (Willard) Gehron of North Star, Ohio; sister, L. Adeline Lough of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Hazel McMillen of Willshire, Ohio; nine grandchildren: Kevin Krall, Karen Bollenbacher, Karrel Adams, Kendra Miller, Kurtis Krall, Michael Gehron, Christie Rindler, Deborah Stewart, and Annete Shroyer; eighteen great-grandchildren: Kellie Simpkins, Stacie Cornwall, Bill Rindler, Beth Stewart, Nikki Gehron, Mindy Stewart, D. J. Gehron, Faith Shroyer, Chad Rindler, Will Shroyer, Hope Stewart, Jamie Bollenbacher, Kassie Bollenbacher, Deidre Adams, Kami Adams, Austin Adams, Sophia Miller, Lydia Miller, Adria Miller, and Hayden Heckman; one great-great-grandchild: Ayden Tullis. Preceding Irene in death were two sisters, Lois Funk and Rosella Sovine; and three brothers, Harold, Lester and Floyd Strickler Jr.; and one great-grandson, James David Bollenbacher. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2011 in the Praise Point United Brethren Church with Pastor Mark Rutledge and Pastor Brad Kittle officiating. Interment will follow in the Willshire Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2011 in the Praise Point United Brethren Church in Willshire, Ohio and also one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Praise Point United Brethren Church in Willshire, Ohio or Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert, Ohio.
