Irene Loris (Penland) Dykema, 88, of Belton, passed away on January 15, 2025, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX surrounded by her family.
She was born in Altus, OK in 1936 to Ira and Mary Truitt Penland, and had five older siblings.
At age 17, Irene married the love of her life: John Dykema, an airman hailing from Michigan. They had two children, John and Tracy. Irene was an accomplished oil painter and dedicated 56 years to learning and teaching others to paint. She was an active member of the Leon Valley Church of Christ, and she loved to be with friends and family.
Irene was a classy and righteous woman whose life was a testament to faith, fellowship, and creativity. She will be remembered for her love of others, her strength of will, and her steadfast devotion to the word of God. Though she will be deeply missed by all who knew her, there is comfort in knowing she is now with the Lord.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and one grandson. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, John William Dykema of Belton; son John Brian Dykema and wife Patricia of Lott; daughter Tracy Charlene (Dykema) Manlove and husband James of Bothell, WA; former daughter-in-law Debbie Ann (Pearson) Tilly and husband Timothy of Temple; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family thanks the diligent staff of the Scott & White ICU, where Irene was tended to in the last weeks of her life.
Services for Irene will be held at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton. A visitation will take place Thursday, January 23 from 5-7pm, and a memorial service will be Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00am. A private burial is scheduled for a later date at the State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.