Irene Ladonna Blimes

Irene LaDonna Newton Blimes

Irene LaDonna Newton Blimes, 75, of Chandler, Arizona, formerly of Nelsonville, passed away Wednesday, February 1st, 2006 at her daughter?s home in Tempe, Arizona after a courageous effort to live her final days battling cancer with the strength and dignity with which she lived her life. She was born January 1st, 1931 in Nelsonville, the daughter of the late Donald and Maude McManaway Newton.

A beautiful, high spirited, hard working and accomplished woman, she enjoyed her role as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother over the years. She pursued a diverse career ranging from various positions in restaurants, the U.S. Postal Service, retail business management, bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation. She fondly recalled her life spent in Ohio, California, and Arizona as a good life, as well as being grateful for her many friends and loved ones.

Irene is survived by one daughter, Kitty Steven Rhoten of Tempe, AZ; one son, Michael Blimes of Denver, CO; six grandchildren, Carey Beth Rhoten, Jon Christy Rhoten, Kelly Jason Tincher, Elise, Allison and Andrew Blimes; Five great grandchildren, Steven, Alex, Gabrielle, and Kaleb Rhoten and Logan Tincher; two sisters, Martha Newton and Betty Jesse White; one brother, Thomas Roberta Newton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene?s memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society, or Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Avenue, #301, Mesa, Arizona 85210

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, February 8th, 2006 at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette Street, Nelsonville, with Pastor Jon T. Hanning officiating. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 7th, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville