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