Irene Mildred Hammer Stutheit went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2003, at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA at the age of 81. She was born in Hildreth, NE on August 15, 1921, to Simon and Anna Smith Hammer. On February 16, 1923, she was baptized in Minden, NE; and confirmed her Christian faith in June, 1935 in Norman, NE. She graduated from Minden High School in May 1939. On March 1, 1942, Irene married Freddie Stutheit at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE.

In 1947 they moved to Richland. After working briefly at Hanford, Irene and her husband, Fred, owned and operated the Fred’s Flying “A” service station at 610 Lee Blvd. in Richland until 1966.

She was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for 44 years where she was a member of the Lydia Guild, Altar Guild, Good Cheer, Prayer Chain, Senior Club, and a Bible study group. One of her favorite pastimes was playing pinochle with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 1967. She is survived by her daughter Susan Taylor and her husband John of Auburn, WA, and her son Ricky Stutheit and his wife Shirley of Richland; her beloved grandchildren Mark and Ryan Taylor, Celestine Kuntz, Angela Stutheit; and great-granddaughter Samiah Kuntz.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Einan’s Funeral Home, Richland. Graveside services will be at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 1 and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 720 Thayer Blvd., Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.