Irene (Anders) Detweiler , 96, died on February 21, 2026. She was born on July 1, 1929 in Elroy, PA to the late Norman and the late Edith (Stauffer) Anders. Irene was their third child, but first daughter. Her schooling began at the one room school in Elroy but continued at the Franconia Consolidated School. Her parents had a stand at a farmers market in Philadelphia and killed chickens and candled eggs to take to the market.

Irene's family moved several times before she was married. After Elroy, they moved to Hilltown Township where they grew hay and sunflowers. On February 14, 1948 Irene married Arthur W. Detweiler at Deep Run Mennonite Church East. They later belonged to various Mennonite mission churches, including Groveland. In later years, they were very active members of Line Lexington Mennonite congregation. She and Arthur were the parents of Patricia, Douglas and Jennifer.

Irene loved flowers, especially hydrangeas and roses. She and Arthur also grew vegetables and strawberries which they sold at a stand at the end of their driveway. Irene had many jobs after she was married. These included babysitting for the children of teachers during the school year, working at Teva Pharmaceutical, and working in the delis of the Fountainville Store, Genuardis, Safeway, and Weis Markets. She worked part-time in the Weis deli until she was 90 years old.

Irene is survived by her sisters, Miriam Myers (John) and Fern Nissley (Chris), and her daughter, Pat VanArtsdalen (Bob) of Benton, PA. In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren: Jamie Coughenour (Corey) of Perkasie, Clifford VanArtsdalen (Angela) of Quakertown, Ashley Fretz (Troy) of Perkasie, and Kohl Detweiler; eight great grandchildren: Jayden Vandyke, Chloe Coughenour, Kaylyn VanArtsdalen, Taylor Fretz, Steven VanArtsdalen, Hannah Fretz, Camryn Coughenour, Trevor Fretz; and two great great grandchildren: Karter VanArtsdalen, Bryson VanArtsdalen.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, Arthur; her son, Douglas; her daughter, Jennifer; her three brothers, Norman, Jr., LeRoy, and Jeremiah "Jerry" Anders; and her sister, Eleanor Miller.

Irene was grateful for the attention and help provided in recent years by her nieces, Darlene Myers and Joyce Stillings, and her sister-in-law, MariAn Nyce.

Irene's memorial service will be Saturday, February 28, at Souderton Mennonite Home, 207 West Summit St, Souderton, PA 18964. There will be a calling hour at 10 AM, with the service beginning at 11 AM. The service will be live-streamed on the Souderton Mennonite Homes YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Irene's memory to the Living Branches Foundation, Souderton Mennonite Agape Fund, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446.

Arrangements are by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.andersfh.com .