Thelma Irene Barrett, 92, of Elkhart, passed away Friday morning, February 5, 2021, surrounded by love and family at The Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart. "Irene" as she was fondly known to family and friends, was born on November 8, 1928 in Elkhart to the late Calvin John Ritchie and Lillian (Hollandsworth) Ritchie.

She met and fell in love with a young man named Prentice Floyd Barrett. They built a wonderful life together with their four children, Sherry Hagerty, Brenda (Dennis) Huff, Steve (Nancy) Barrett and Danny (Gail) Barrett; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and counting!, surviving as well are her siblings, Jay Ritchie, Dale Ritchie, Marie Hosler, Sue (Denny) Welch and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Prentice, sisters, Aileen, Wilma, Jean and a brother Jim.

Irene was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Her family was everything to her. She loved to entertain and her large family dinners were legendary. She also loved nature, hiking, camping and traveling. Her faith was a big part of her life. Irene was a longtime and faithful member of Central Christian Church in Elkhart.

Private family services will be held. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rice Cemetery. Arrangements and care for Irene are with the Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to The Center for Hospice Care. To share a condolence or memory of Irene with her family, kindly visit the Billings Funeral Home website at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

Hospice Foundation
501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545
Tel: 1-800-413-9083
Email: info@foundationforhospice.org
Web: https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/