Irene M. Kilmer

Irene M. Kilmer, 76, of Denver passed away at Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital, Friday, August 18, 2017, following an unexpected diagnosis of terminal cancer and a short hospital stay.

Born in Churchtown, she was a daughter of Noah S. and Maria M. Newswanger. Irene was the loving wife of Eli B. Kilmer for 52 years.

Irene was a homemaker who devoted her life to her husband and family. She was known for her beautiful hand quilting and crocheting.

In addition to her husband, Irene is survived by eight children: Louella (Thomas) Reagan, Doe Run, MO; Norma (Randy) Gilliland, Lohman, MO; Michael (Karen) Kilmer, Warrenton, VA; Robert (Kara) Kilmer, California, MO; Sharon (Ryan) Newswanger, Ephrata, PA; Dawn (Steve) Martin, Ephrata, PA; Sheril (Rodney) Zeiset, Ephrata, PA; and Diane Kilmer, Dallas, TX. She was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Irene is also survived by three sisters and two brothers: Esther (Amos) Martin, New Holland, PA; Noah (Esther) Newswanger, Martinsburg, PA; Alvin (Shirley) Newswanger, Tucson, AZ; Alma (Lloyd) Weaver, East Earl, PA; and Anna (Luke) Martin, New Enterprise, PA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers and one sister.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, August 21, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at New Life Fellowship, 420 E. Fulton St., Ephrata. On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service at 10:00 a.m. at New Life Fellowship in Ephrata. Interment will be at Bowmansville Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, PO Box 31, Terre Hill, PA 17581, to assist with funeral expenses. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.