Ruth Irene Cherry

Irene was born in Lincoln County on February 28, 1935, to the late Ralph Boyd Cherry and the late Ruth Magdalene Cherry. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, William David Cherry, and sisters, Gail Criminger and Frances Cherry.

Irene graduated from Gastonia High School, received her bachelor’s degree from ASTC in Boone, and continued to get her master’s degree from Winthrop College in Rock Hill. Irene was a member of The NCAE, Orchid Digest Corporation, and The American Orchid Society INC, where during her membership she won several awards for “Best in show” for her orchid displays. She also was a member of First Presbyterian Church, which she attended and was active in the church all her life and enjoyed singing in the church’s choir. Irene had a strong love for Jack Russel dogs and had 4 of them as companions throughout her life.

Survivors include her brother, James (Peyton) Cherry; nephews, Ash (Christy) Cherry and Brittain (Lauren) Cherry; and niece, Jennifer Cleere.

A visitation for friends and family will occur on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park at 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054. The funeral service will follow immediately after at 1:00 PM in the Funeral Home’s Chapel. The Committal will be at Gaston Memorial Park following all services at 1200 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Irene’s love for her dogs to the Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement at https://www.gastongov.com/551/Donations