Irene Schmittler, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Isabella County Medical Care Facility.  Irene was born on April 10, 1931 in Isabella County, the daughter of Raymond and Zelpha Wonch Phelps.

     Irene married Robert Schmittler in Angola, Indiana in 1951.  Mr. Schmittler passed away in November of 1996.  She worked for the Regional Center as an attendant nurse before retiring in 1992.  Irene opened her own art studio and taught oil painting.  She loved people and was a very nurturing person especially with the residents of the state home.

     Irene is survived by a step son, Jerry (Jeannie) Schmittler of Illinois; three grandchildren, Daniel, Jacob, and Sarah Schmittler; daughter-in-law Kathleen Schmittler, two brothers, John (Carol) Parker of Florida and James (Patty) Parker of Mt. Pleasant; and two sisters, Sylvia Prior and Edna Sheets, both of Mt. Pleasant and special family friend and former daughter-in-law, Becky Sybert. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Robert H. Schmittler, Jr.; a step son, Harlan Schmittler, two brothers, Raymond Phelps and Stanley Phelps; and infant granddaughter Jennifer Schmittler.

     Funeral services for Irene will be held at the Rowley Funeral Home on Sunday, June 21, 2015, at 5:00 P.M. with Pastor Jack Balcome officiating.  Interment will be next to her husband and son at Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, June 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 3 pm until the time of services.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Community Cancer Services