On January 22, 2012, Irene (Winfrey) Denton passed away in Albuquerque. Irene was born on March 28, 1912 to Maud and Solon Winfrey in Rusk County, Texas. Raised with six brothers and three sisters, she knew hard work and the love of family from a young age. Irene lived in Texas until 1946, when she moved to Santa Fe and established herself as chef and kitchen manager for Bishop's Lodge. It was in Santa Fe that she met and fell in love with her beloved Jess. Married in 1949, they made Oklahoma their home for three years. The couple then returned to New Mexico and together built a home for themselves in Albuquerque and then in Los Lunas. The year 1979 called them back to Oklahoma, where they happily resided fishing and gardening together until 1995 when Jess passed away. Irene once again found Albuquerque to be her home under the watchful care of her loving son, Roy. Irene was a fiercely independent woman, quiet but feisty, and tended to most of her own needs until the age of 97. A generous woman, devout Baptist, and dedicated member of Monterey Baptist Church, she spent many hours engaged in projects helping those less fortunate. Irene loved gardening, cooking, and quilting and, although humble about her artistic talents, left a legacy of beautiful quilts as gifts to family members and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jess Denton and her sons, John M. Hunter, Jr. and Samuel (Sammy) Neff Denton. Family members mourning her loss include her sisters, Monnie Grandstaff of Kilgore, TX and Laura Parker of Nacogdoches, TX, her son, Roy Hunter of Albuquerque, daughter-in-law, Mary Hunter of Grand Junction, CO and grandchildren, Ken Hunter of Colorado, Tony Hunter of Colorado, Cindy Hunter-Crofton of Rio Rancho, and Jeanette Irene Hunter of Montana. Also missing her deeply are her grandchildren, Kendra Hunter, Travis, Doug, and Cheryl Crofton and Jake, Dillon, and Cheyenne Oliver. A service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Monterey Baptist Church, 12501 Lomas Blvd., N.E. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd., N.E. Friends and family may visit at French - Lomas Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Monterey Baptist Church or your favorite charity.