(Edith) Irene Hockersmith, 83, of North Vernon, passed away at 12:03 p.m. on
Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Willow Crossing Health & Rehab Center in
Columbus. She was born on May 31, 1939 the daughter of Paul M. and Vera
(Vanderbur) Tempest. She had been a lifelong resident of Jennings County
and was a 1957 graduate of North Vernon High School. She was a columnist at the
Plain Dealer for the New Bethel Area News for 63 years. She was a member of the
New Bethel Methodist Church and the Ladies Aid. Irene enjoyed embroidery,
painting and babysitting for all the neighbor kids. She married Robert Dale
Hockersmith on August 30, 1959 at New Bethel Methodist Church and he preceded
her in death on February 9, 2023. Survivors include her daughters, Julie (Joe)
Diekhoff of North Vernon and Janice (Judson) Burton of Valparaiso; her son,
Scott (Tina) Hockersmith of North Vernon; her brother, Emerson (Patty) Tempest
of North Vernon and 6 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband, Robert; an infant daughter, Dianna Lynn Hockersmith; her brother,
William Alfred Tempest and a granddaughter, Claudia Anne Hockersmith. Funeral
services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Bass &
Gasper Funeral Home in Westport with Rev. Connie Barr officiating. Burial will
follow at Mt. Aerie Cemetery in Letts. A time of visitation will be held on
Monday, February 27, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Bethel Methodist Church through the
funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com