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JOHNSTON -- On Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, Irene Phylis Schrecengost, 91, of Johnston Township, joined her late husband of 68 years, Robert Ellsworth Schrecengost, whom she married on June 4, 1953, to spend eternity together in Heaven.
Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Gary Lee (Kathleen) Schrecengost and Robert Allen (Rhonda) Schrecengost, both of Cortland. She was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren, Kari, Cory (Jenna White) and Craig (Tiffany) Schrecengost, Monica (Kristofer) Tkach, and George and Travis Kotanichek. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, Addalyn, Brody, Marlee, Karsyn, Moses and Exodus Schrecengost, Teagan White, MaKayla (Nicolas) Christy, Marissa Kotanichek (Noah Thorn), Trenton Betts (Madison Smith), Hanna and George Kotanichek, Kayleah (Morris) Davies and KaLynn Kotanichek; as well as seven great-great-grandchildren.
Also left to cherish her memory is her extended family, Charles (Debbie) Hetrick and their family, whom she loved as her own, along with many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
She was "Grand" loved, and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, Irene was preceded in death by her sister, Eve Merlock; her brothers, Chester (Irene) Fasano and William Groff; and her granddaughter, Kari Schrecengost.
Irene grew up in Leechburg, Pa., and in 1954 moved to Ohio with her husband, Robert. In 1963, they purchased their home on Ridge Road, where they raised their family and made many cherished memories together. It remained a place filled with love, family, and countless memories throughout the years.
With her passion for cooking, Irene worked in the Dietary Department at Warren General Hospital for 14 years before retiring in December of 1994. Irene had a true love for baking and making candy. She took a cake decorating course and enjoyed making and selling her beautiful, special creations. She especially loved making cookies, with her Italian pizzelles being a prized specialty and a favorite among family and friends. Holidays were always a special time in Irene's house, filled with an assortment of homemade baked goods and traditional Italian dishes.
She took great pride in her Italian heritage and spoke fondly of her parents and grandparents, keeping their traditions and memories alive through the food she lovingly prepared for her family. Irene was also an avid gardener, taking great pride in growing and canning her own vegetables. She made delicious apple butter and wonderful homemade pies, sharing many of her special creations with family and friends. Her macaroni salad was a crowd favorite and requested many times! She had a great love for flowers and took particular pride in growing beautiful roses. Irene also enjoyed being creative. She took ceramic lessons and loved painting and sharing her homemade crafts with others.
Always a lady, Irene looked forward to her Thursday appointments at her favorite hair salon, where she enjoyed the company of her "special girls" and treasured her many years of friendship with her beloved hairdresser, Gladys Beach.
Irene was a Christian and a member of Orangeville Baptist Church. She attended Cortland Trinity Baptist and Mecca Community Church, where her faith was an important part of her life.
In her later years, Irene enjoyed sitting on her back porch, watching the wildlife that wandered across the property and waving to the airplanes as they passed overhead. She believed the people in the airplanes could see her and called them her "friends," often saying that they would tip their wings to her as they flew by. It was one of the simple pleasures that brought her great joy. Indoors, Irene continued to take pride in maintaining her home and enjoyed spending her days watching old Western shows, which she fondly referred to as "her cowboys." These quiet moments brought her comfort and happiness in the house that she dearly loved.
Family and friends may visit from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at Lane Funeral Homes Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 N. High St., Cortland. Funeral services will follow at noon.
Burial will be held in Johnston Township Cemetery.
Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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