Obituary: Irene Margaret Rooker

May 5, 1922 - August 13, 2010

Irene Margaret Hanover Rooker, age 88, of Merced, Calif., quietly passed away Aug. 13, 2010, of natural causes with family by her side.

Irene was born May 5, 1922, to Rosie and Frank Hanover in McAlester, Okla. She met her future husband, George Mitchell Rooker, at a country western dance and ultimately tied the knot and was married on Aug. 8, 1942, in Seminole, Okla. Irene was a full-time homemaker and wife, raising three sons. In 1956, the family moved from Oklahoma to California, where her husband helped established several automobile dealerships and owned Toyota of Merced before retiring.

Irene loved the ranch life -- raising horses, gardening, canning her fruits and vegetables, camping, boating and trail riding every summer - with her beloved husband, favorite horses and numerous family and friends.

Irene is survived by her three sons: George Allen Rooker of Carson City and his wife Ingrid, Raymond Mitchell Rooker of La Quinta, Calif., and his wife Kit, Gary Neal Rooker of Merced, and stepson Larry Rooker and wife Cozette, of Anacoco, La. Irene leaves an enduring and lasting legacy through her eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her presence as the matriarch of this extended family and the community of Merced will be greatly missed.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband George Mitchell Rooker in December 2009. She goes to join him now after 67 years of marriage.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Central Presbyterian Church, 1920 Canal St. Street, Merced, CA 95340, (209) 723-0491. Following the memorial, light refreshments will be served.