Irene M. Ankenbrand, 105, of Mount Carmel, IL passed away Monday, April 9, 2018 at Oakview Heights Continuous Care and Rehab surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on February 12, 1913 in Wabash County, the daughter of Peter Ottmann and Matilda (Keepes) Ottmann.  She married Louis Ankenbrand on October 6, 1936 and he preceded her in death on February 24, 1984.

 Irene was a homemaker and loved cooking for her family.  Some of her specialties were chicken and dumplings and divinity. She adored her grandchildren and they lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Mandy”.  She enjoyed card games, bingo and had a creative flair for ceramics.  Everyone who knew her called her a real sweetheart.  Irene was a lifelong resident of Wabash County and member of the MCHS class of 1932.  She was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.  Irene recently held the title of the oldest living member of Wabash County.  She will be dearly missed.

Irene will be remembered by her daughter, Linda Eckleberry; granddaughters, Dawn Weiss, Marcy Frailey; great-granddaughters, Shamber Weiss, Tori Frailey, Taylor Cross, Tabitha Cross; great-grandson; Takoma Weiss; great-great-granddaughters, Ellie Couch and Adalyn Summerfield.

 Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis Ankenbrand; sister, Lucille Ottmann and son-in-law, George Eckleberry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2018, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating with Deacon Steve Lowe assisting.   Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will be 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2018 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Irene’s memory to Saint Mary’s Church or Saint Mary’s School General Fund.  Envelopes will be available at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry St.  Mt. Carmel, IL  62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Irene’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Ankenbrand family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.