Irene Birum, age 93, died May 13 at Messenger House Care Center on Bainbridge Island.

She was born Feb. 5, 1911, in Claremore, Okla., to Addison and Gerrette Carlton. She grew up in Yakima with her family of four sisters and three brothers.

She married Ralph Birum on June 25, 1933. She was a fulltime housewife until 1946, living in Wenatchee and Tacoma, and Missoula, Mont.

In 1946 she and her husband owned and operated an ice creamery and delicatessen in Puyallup, which continued until 1955.

At that time they moved to Mountlake Terrace, where they owned and operated a hardware store until 1964. After that she worked for the University of Washington and the City of Mountlake Terrace until 1969.

Throughout her life she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and flower arranging as special hobbies. She gave willingly of her time to help her family and others.

In 1998 she and Ralph moved from Everett to Bainbridge Island to reside at the Madison Avenue Retirement Center.

After 68 years of marriage Ralph preceded her in death in December 2001. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by sister June of Tyler Texas; brother Don of Yakima; sons Larry (Mary Kay) of Mesquite Nev., and Ron (Linda) of Bainbridge Island; grandchildren Derrick of Duvall, D’Layne of Lewisville Texas, Kevin of Suquamish, Julie of Alameda California; and six great-grandchildren.

A family memorial celebration will be held after the Fourth of July. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.