Irene Marie Eckhoff

December 20, 1921 - May 15, 2021

Irene Marie Eckhoff was born on December 20, 1921 to Gustave and Sophie Philippy in Manchester, NH. She passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2021 in her “comfy little bed.” She met Edward Eckhoff when he was stationed at the Army base in Manchester and they were married on July 23, 1944. After Ed’s discharge, they lived in his native Orange, CA, later relocating to Terra Bella, CA. They had been married for 57 years when Edward passed away, in 2001. Irene was an accomplished vocalist and was soloist for countless weddings and funerals. She was also at that time involved with the church choir and the Porterville Community Concerts. In 1991 she joined Mt. Olive Lutheran Church where she made many close friends and especially loved their weekly trips to the casino for a little gambling and lunch. During her lifetime Irene was involved in many organizations and was an eager helper wherever needed. Everyone who knew Irene knows that she was kind, loving, tenacious and always said hello with an infectious smile. Although suffering from the effects of Polio, contracted at age 4, she never let that stop her from enjoying life to the fullest nor did she ever complain. After arriving in California she even taught her sister-in-law and several female cousins how to drive. What a scandal that was! Irene is survived by their four children: Richard (Kathy); Sharlene (Mike) Conley; Elaine Knutson; Philip (Karen). She was grandma to Kristal (Scott) Unser, Tricia (Deon) Duke, Joshua (Kara) Eckhoff, Amberlie (Jesse) Suggs, Grant (DeOndra) Standridge, Tamarie Whitlow, Owen (Aricelly) Knutson, Ryan (Kim) Knutson, Julia (Joshua) Carpenter, Rachael (T.J.) Majernak, Sunny (David) Palomares, Dustin (Ashley) Conley and grams-in-law to Adam (Wendy) Silvey. Irene was grandma-great to 35 and great-grandma-great to 9. She was preceded in death by son-in-law Michael Knutson. A memorial service will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1044 N. Parkside, Lindsay, CA on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 3:00 PM. A “Going Away Party” will follow at the Eckhoff residence, 32197 River Island Dr, Springville, CA. Donations can be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in memory of Irene (send to Sharlene Conley at the River Island address). To light a virtual candle, share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the tribute section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.