J. Irene Hamman, 94, died Aug. 6, 2015, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.  Irene was born July 1, 1921, in New York City to Tracy and Mary (McKnight) Baseley who preceded her in death. On Oct. 1, 1944, she married Raymond Hamman who preceded her in death on April 11, 2000.

She was an active member of her church in each community where she lived, teaching Sunday school, VBS, singing in the choir, working on various committees, and hosting as needed. She served as a Girl Scout leader for several years and chaperoned more than one Junior Prom.

She volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop and Bluffton Hospital in addition to her many roles in the church.   

Survivors include seven children Ray (Joanie) Hamman of Clarkston, Michigan, Beth (Les) Thompson of Vandalia, Ohio, Tim (Cora) Hamman of Lima, Ohio, Bill (Dawn) Hamman of Medina, Ohio, Laurie (Jim) Blackburn of Bluffton, Ohio, Ruth (Ted) Provost of Columbus, Ohio, Jill (Brad) Caskie of Groveport, Ohio. 

Also surviving are 16 grandchildren Greg and Joshua Hamman, Rachel and Peter Thompson, Chad and Marc Hamman, Michael, Jessie and Jacob Blackburn, Michael, Doug and Molly Provost, Angie Palte, Jared  Caskie, Natalie  Mitchell, Jodi Stephens;  three step grandchildren Jeff, Scott and Michael Evans; 17 great grandchildren; nine step great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; five step great great grandchildren; two brothers William (Carolyn) Baseley of Pennsylvania and Richard (Helen) Baseley of Frederick, Maryland; and three sisters Ada Yoder Elsie (Eugene) Miller Betty Cattermole all of Pennsylvania.

Irene was preceded in death by three sisters Alice Schofer, Edna Shelly and Judy Stevenson.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church and a reception will follow the service at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the "Kitchen Fund" at First Mennonite Church
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.