Irene Hogan passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members in the early afternoon, on Christmas Day, 2009. She was 92 years old and had lived at Cornerstone Assisted Living Center for the last several years. She was a long time member of the Church of Christ.

Irene Evanell Powell, born on May 16, 1917, in Red Springs, Texas, was the third of 10 children of Lee Andrew and Katie Powell. Lee was a school teacher early in life, but later returned to his roots of farming. Katie was a full-time homemaker.

Of her early years, Irene often recalled that some of her fondest memories were how her family would load up the wagon and head for the lake or would celebrate Christmas at gatherings of extended family members and friends.

After graduating from Red Springs High School, Irene met Jimmie Perryman "J.P." Hogan at a baseball game in Mallard, Texas. After a brief courtship, they were married on Aug. 31, 1935, living and working in several Central and West Texas towns before settling in Lubbock in 1952, where Irene became a nurse and worked at local hospitals and health agencies. Jim preceded her in death in 1989.

Irene is survived by three children, James Douglas and wife Barbara of Lubbock, Billy Mac and wife Kim of Los Alamos, N.M. and Carolyn Gayle Dersch of Long Beach, Calif. Her surviving siblings are Jeffie Smith and Clella Powell, both of Lubbock, and Marjorie McCandless of Broken Arrow, Okla. She also leaves 10 adult grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene frequently commented that her happiest times were those spent with her family, loving them and raising them. She will be missed by family and friends who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Resthaven's Mausoleum Chapel. Burial will follow at Peaceful Gardens. Visitation will be held this evening from 6 to 7 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Please join us in celebrating Irene's life by visiting her memorial at www.mem.com.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association or American Cancer Society.