Irene Linda Tritch

Irene Linda (Doepel) Tritch was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 94.

Irene was born on February 12, 1932, in Lutherville, Arkansas, to Henry and Anna Doepel. She was one of eleven children, growing up with six brothers and four sisters.

Her grandchildren often said that Irene was ahead of her time. At just 18 years old, she courageously boarded a train by herself and traveled from Arkansas to California to help her sister, who had already settled in Terra Bella. Having been raised in the Lutheran faith, Irene soon visited Zion Lutheran Church in Terra Bella. She could not have known then that it would become her church home for the rest of her life.

It was at Zion that Irene met the love of her life, Ralph Tritch. They were married for 65 wonderful years until Ralph's passing in 2017. Together, they built a life firmly rooted in faith, beginning each day with devotions and prayer as they worshiped their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Irene and Ralph were blessed with three children: Ellis Tritch (Tudy), Yolanda Schultz (Andy), and Deina Schultz (Steve). Their family grew to include eight grandchildren: Ashlee (Francis), Aaron (Katie), Alexander (Ashley), Jonathan (Yuliya), Jacob, Eli, Zachary (Sara), and Nick; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Hellen, Florence, Alexandra, Canon, Benjamin, Samuel, Augustine, Ezra, Avery, Ezekiel, Inessa, Sophia, and Capri.

Irene graduated from DeValls Bluff High School in Arkansas. She loved athletics and especially enjoyed playing basketball, and she proudly served as captain of her high school basketball team.

Faith was the cornerstone of Irene and Ralph's home. They faithfully attended church every Sunday, ensured their children attended both worship services and Sunday School, and enrolled them at Zion Lutheran Elementary School. Each evening, the family gathered around the dinner table for devotions, creating a lasting legacy of Christian faith for generations to come, and instilling in their children the importance of raising their own children to remain in the church and close to God. She loved her Savior, her family, and friends.

For more than 20 years, Irene worked as an orange packer at Grand View Heights, where she was respected for her strong work ethic and formed many lasting friendships. In addition to her work at the packing house, Irene and Ralph were part-time farmers and were among the first in the area to introduce quince farming to the local agricultural community.

During the last year of her life, Irene resided at Serenity Assisted Living, where she found not only exceptional care but also many dear friends. She spoke often of the wonderful staff, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their kindness, compassion, and loving care. In addition, she delighted in the children who visited Serenity, and they loved spending time with her. Irene's family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff at Serenity Assisted Living and to the hospice team for the compassionate and devoted care they provided during her final months.

Above all else, Irene will be remembered as a devoted Christian, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and a woman whose unwavering faith, quiet strength, and generous heart touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy of love and faith in Jesus Christ will continue to live on through the family she cherished so deeply.

Irene's Christian Homegoing Celebration will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 10341 Road 256, Terra Bella, on Monday July 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM., with interment immediately following in Zion's Cemetery (directly across the street).

Memorial donations may be given in Irene's memory to Zion Lutheran Church. To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.