Irene Whattoff

Irene J. Whattoff, 96, a resident of the Plano-Dallas area for 11 years, died December 30, 2013. Visitation will be from 10:15 AM until 11:00 AM at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Dallas Campus, 12123 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, Texas 75230 with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Graveside service and burial will be in Ames, Iowa on January 4, 2013.
Irene was born May 12, 1917 in Stuart, Iowa to Fred and Clara (Robertson) Downs. She was one of 12 children born in this marriage and was the last survivor of the 12. She was a graduate of Ames High School and married Vernard Whattoff on May 30, 1941. She was a devout wife to Vernard until he preceded her in death in 2003.
She was a long time member of Campus Baptist Church in Ames. She and Vernard were dedicated to reaching the international students that were attending the university in Ames. Together they impacted hundreds of students and others in their outreach and ministry. After their move to Plano, they regularly attended Prestonwood Baptist Church where Irene assisted in grading Bible study homework for the prison ministry. At age 92, she received an award as the oldest volunteer from Prestonwood to assist in this ministry. God surely welcomed her into His presence with "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Irene is survived by four loving children, Mary (Robert) Hamm of Plano, Robert (Debbie) Whattoff of Savoy, IL, Karen (Jon) Anders of Dallas, and David Whattoff of Dallas. She also leaves grandchildren and respective spouse Matthew Hamm, Marc Hamm, Krista Michel, Natalie Adair, Mason Anders, Joe Whattoff, Brittney Anders, and Grant Anders. There are also six great-grandchildren surviving.
Memorial gifts may be sent to International Student Ministry at Crossroads Baptist Church, 57011 U.S. Highway 30, Ames, Iowa 50010.