Irene Blanche Dunham

Irene was born December 16, 1907 in Greenbush Township, Michigan, daughter of Duane and Mable (Whitney) Babcock and was the oldest of 8 children. She grew up on a farm near Bath, Michigan, and attended the Bath Consolidated School. Irene married Laurits W. Dunham on May 20, 1927. They were blessed with three children. They raised their family on the north side of Lansing. Irene was widowed at age 63. As a life long homemaker she took great pride in caring for her family and her home. Her greatest passion was to be outdoors working in her yard and flower gardens, which were the showcase of the neighborhood. She also had vegetable gardens in her younger years and several fruit trees. Besides gardening, her hobbies included camping, traveling, bird watching, and being out in nature enjoying God's creation. At age 67 Irene became a “snowbird” and went to Florida during winter months for 17 years. She loved the independence of driving her car, but finally gave that up when she turned 106. When asked what is the secret for long life she would answer, "hard work, outside!" Last year, Irene reached her goal of being the oldest living person in Michigan.

Irene lived in her same home for 85 years until 2020. She was 112 when she moved to Gunnisonville Meadows Senior Assisted Living where she was lovingly cared for the next 2 years.

Irene was a member of Valley Farms Baptist Church. Her faith in God and perseverance brought her through many challenges through the years. Irene enjoyed life everyday. She believed you have to make your own happiness; that true happiness lies in appreciating God's small blessings each day and taking joy in what you have.

Irene is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Bonnie Dunham; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 35 great-great grandchildren; 1 great-great-great grandchild; sister-in-law, Audrey Babcock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Laurits W. Dunham Sr.; parents, Duane and Mable Babcock; daughter and son-in-law, Loraine and Harry Rees; son and daughter-in-law, Laurits W. Dunham and Joyce Dunham; great-grandson, Brad Beatty; brother and sister-in-law, Ernie and Dorothy Babcock; brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Mary Babcock; brother and sister-in-law, George and Dorothy Babcock; brother, Douglas Babcock; sister and brother-in-law, Eva and Floyd Stebleton; sister and brother-in-law, Luella and George Winters; and sister, Lucille Barnard.

A visitation will be held for Irene on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home Dewitt Chapel, 205 E. Washington St., Dewitt, MI 48820. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one-hour prior, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Following the service, Irene will be laid to rest in Dewitt Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are grandsons, Rick Rees, Brad Rees, and Larry Dunham and great-grandsons, Scott Rees, Timm Rees, and Corey Rees.

Memorial contributions may be made in Irene's memory to Careline Hospice,103 S. Jackson St., Suite 200, Jackson, MI 49201 or Bath School Museum, c/o Susan Hagerman, 12750 Webster Rd., Bath, MI 48808.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Dunham family.