Irene, known as Iny, by her family, was born on August 22, 1916. She was the first child born to Clarence and Alice Whitehead Hunter. Irene began life in the home of her maternal grandparents, Nathan and Clara Ballard Whitehead, east of Bloomfield, Oklahoma. She departed life on December 10, 2010 in the Seiling Hospital at the age of 94 years.

Seven brothers and five sisters followed Irene. Irene often mentioned helping her mother care for the younger children. She began first grade at White Eagle School, south of Lenora. Indian lands bordered the school land and Irene clearly remembered the Indian families moving near the school each autumn. Tepees would be established in a pattern and the cooking fires and the small children were tended by women with long black hair. Irene completed eight years of school in six years.

Irene became the wife of Vernon (Bony) Cole in the Taloga, Oklahoma courthouse August 28, 1933. They immediately moved into the farm home built by Vern's father, Ed Cole. Irene lived in the home for 77 years, until her death. Vern was from a family of thirteen children and Irene was the last survivor of the Ed Cole children and their spouses.

Vern and Irene suffered the loss of their first baby, Bobby Dewayne, soon after his birth. Merlene was born exactly one year later then Melvin (Buzz), Dale, Marva, and Leland joined the family.

Vern and Irene completed construction of a Grade A dairy shortly before Vern's untimely death in 1960. Irene had known farm life from childhood but had not participated in the business aspect. The dairy was known throughout the years as Grade A in every category rewarding her diligence and constant efforts.

Harvey Randall performed the marriage ceremony of Howard Bentley and Irene in the farm home on July 5, 1965.

Irene was an avid reader until her vision became so impaired she could no longer read. She made a quilt, set of dishtowels, and a pair of pillowcases for each grandchild and most of her great grandchildren. Irene's Hunter family loved to dance and it was not unusual for them to meet at a dance and dance the night away. Howard and Irene enjoyed traveling with friends and family.

Irene's children, 3 grandsons, 10 granddaughters, 20 great grandsons, 17 great granddaughters, 5 great great granddaughters, and 1 great great grandson were blessed by her unconditional love, noodles, homemade bread, her chocolate cake, sense of humor, and generosity. The grandchildren loved her yellow house, exploring the creek area, climbing up the cellar shoot to the roof then sliding down, and her $5 bills. She was honored when a great granddaughter, Emily Irene Randandt was named for her.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Vern, sons, Bobby, Melvin (Buzz) and Dale; parents; son-in-law, Duane Moss; brothers, Bob, Glen, Leo, Tommy, Gene, and Darrell; sisters, Darlene and Doris Adams; three sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Survivors are her husband, Howard, daughters, Merlene Moss of Brownfield, TX, and Marva Salisbury of Plainview, TX, son, Leland and wife Jody Cole, Vici, OK; brothers, Leland and Nancy Hunter of Harmon, OK, Merritt and Beth Hunter of Woodward, OK; sisters, Ellen and Flakey Wilson and Ivalee Karnes of Harmon, OK; sisters-in-law, Marlene Hunter, Oklahoma City, OK and Clydene Kopt Enid, OK, numerous Hunter and Cole nieces and nephews, a host of friends, including beloved caretaker Sara Miller.