Irene Mae Mowles, 89, of Salem, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, James C. Mowles, Sr.; two sons, James C. Mowles, Jr. and Steve R. Mowles; her parents, Marvin and Helen Wharton, and a sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Marvin Wise.

She is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann McMahan and her husband David; daughter-in-law, Deena Mowles; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a nephew, Richard Wise, and her friend and companion, Little Bit.

Irene was a long time member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church where she served as a CCD teacher for several years and was a member of the Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Fort Lewis Women’s Club and had organized the first girls’ sandlot cheerleading team in Virginia.

A special thanks to the staff at Salem Health & Rehab, whom she loved, for their care and support. A extra special thanks to her granddaughter, Hope McMahan Walkup.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 1, 2019 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Salem. Father Ken Shuping will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Andrews Diocesan Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. . In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. An online guestbook is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.