SEARSMONT — Irene “Penney” Mehuren, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2014, at a local nursing home after a brief illness. She was born in 1930, the daughter of Doris Flye and Weldon (Sam) Penney.

In 1950 she married Donald, and together they raised six kids while dairy farming in Searsmont. She had many jobs over the years but enjoyed cooking for the children at Weymouth School in Morrill the most. She loved going to all her kids and grandkids ballgames and everything else they were involved in. She was the leader of Carefree Gals 4-H Club, and the secretary/treasurer of the Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association.

Over the years she held many offices in the Union Harvest Grange, where she earned a lifetime membership and traveled to Denver, Colo., to watch Glen and Jamie both compete in the National Grange speaking contest. As a young lady she loved roller skating and would never pass up the chance to go dancing. She could always be seen at the fairs beside Don, watching him in the oxen and horse pulls trying it and winning a few ribbons herself.

They made many wonderful lifelong friends from Canada and New England at the fairs and pulls. Mom hardly missed a night at the races watching her boys drive and even borrowed their car a few times to try it herself. Irene was always available to make pies and casseroles for public and benefit suppers. Later in life she was an avid bowler, enjoyed her flower gardens, feeding the birds, and she really enjoyed the company of her dogs, Jackie and Taffy. She got to go on many trips with family and friends, visiting Alaska, Branson, Miss., and Florida to name a few.

She is predeceased by her husband; and her granddaughter, Angela. She is survived by her children, Gary and his wife, Nancy, of Glenburn, Darrell and his wife, Pam, of Searsmont, Glendon and his wife, Susan, of Searsmont, Donnie and his wife, Debra, of Lincolnville, Rhonda and her partner, Bob Knowlton, of Searsmont, and Darren and his wife Janine of Brooks; her grandchildren, Jodie, Katie, Gary Jr., Lorie, Mark, Amy, Aaron, Ashley, Glendon II, Kallie, Kasey, Jarrod, Jamie, Billy, Kim, Jake, Zach and Nicholas; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to call Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave. in Belfast. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at Homestead Cemetery on Mehuren Road in Montville.

Those who wish may make donations in Irene's memory to Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association, 301 Fahl Pond Road, North Anson, ME 04958.