Irene Agnes Rankin

Irene Rankin Hapken, quietly heeded the call of the Lord, on June 27th.

Irene was born at Enid, Oklahoma, to Fred and Alice Simpkins Rankin, on September 16, 1922. After attending rural schools northwest of Enid, she graduated from Hillsdale High School, in 1940.

While attending Panhandle State College, World War II was declared, and after two years of college, Irene chose to enter the working world. During this time, she met and married, Dewey W. Hapken, on August 27, 1944, at Altus, Oklahoma. After her husband's discharge from the US Air Force, they lived in California for a number of years, where their children Evelyn and Gary were born. The family moved to Colorado, in 1960.

While living in the Denver area, Irene was employed as an executive secretary and retired from KPMG (Peat Marwick), after over twenty-five years of service. During this time, she earned the rating of Certified Professional Secretary (CPS), and furthered her education, receiving an Associate Degree as Administrative Assistant. She joined a professional secretarial organization, known at that time as, National Secretaries International, where she served as President.

After she and Dewey retired, they moved to Grand Junction, CO., in 1988, where Irene continued her activities with the secretarial group, currently known as the Book Cliff Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She held numerous offices, including that of President and especially enjoyed the duties required by the Courtesy & Hospitality Committee.

As long as her health permitted, she actively participated in several other organizations, including Program Director of the senior walking group, Lifestyle Striders, Rocky Mountain Roamers, and the First Presbyterian Church, of Grand Junction.

Irene was a Christian, having accepted the Lord, at an early age. She served many years as a Sunday School teacher and was involved in the musical activities of her church. After moving to Grand Junction, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Evelyn Pearsall, of Statesville, NC.; son, Gary (Nita) Hapken, of Lakewood; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Kenneth (Joyce) Rankin and Carl Rankin, both of Broken Arrow, OK.

Irene was predeceased by her husband, Dewey, after 65 years of marriage; one brother; and her parents.

A memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction, on Saturday, July 30th, at 11:00 a. m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO., 81506.

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