IRENE (KOTCH) WHITEHEAD died peacefully on March 26,2025 in Erlanger, KY where she was living with her son George and his wife Kathleen. Born July 1, 1929, in Wellsburg, WV a daughter of the late John and Mary (Cakal) Kotch. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Whitehead on June 1, 1997; five brothers: Andy, Frank, John, Joe, James, and George Kotch; four sisters: Annie, Mary, Helen, and Julie; and an infant sibling. Irene graduated Wellsburg High School and was Catholic by faith. She was a woman of warmth, laughter, and quiet strength, whose love touched everyone who knew her. A devoted Catholic, she lived her faith through kindness, generosity and unwavering cross-stitch patterns to life. She found joy in gardening and spending time outside in the yard. She had a passion for puzzles and games, always up for a challenge, and her wit could light up a room. Even in her final years, as dementia tried to steal pieces of her, she never lost her joy–she still found reasons to laugh, sip a highball, feel the ocean breeze her face, cheer for her family’s beloved Steelers and Penquins, and sing and dance to Take Me Home, Country Roads. She reminded us all that life is about finding happiness in the small moments, and her spirit, full of love and resilience, will forever live in our hearts. Irene is survived by three devoted sons: Richard “Rick” (Karen) of Wellsburg, WV, George (Kathleen)of Erlanger, KY and Robert (Shannon) of Dublin, OH. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Richard, Ryan (Bianca), George Scott, William, Andrew, Rachele, Brent (Abigail), and Natalie; and a cherished great-grandmother to Lakelyn. She is also survived by her sister, Elise Lang; sister-in-law, Margaret Kotch; her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her loving service dog, Geno. Funeral Liturgy with Mass took place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Wellsburg, with Father Justin Golna as Celebrant. Interment was held at Franklin Cemetery, Wellsburg. Arrangements by Reasner Funeral Home, Wellsburg. Online condolences can be made at ReasnerofWellsburg.com.