Irene Marie (Monnin) Berning, age 91, of Sawmill Road, Fort Loramie, passed away peacefully of natural causes Sunday afternoon, July 5, 2026, at Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen, Ohio.

She was born July 10, 1934, in Russia, Ohio, to the late Wilbert & Matilda (Sherman) Monnin. On June 11, 1955, at St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia, Irene married Eugene Berning who preceded her in death on December 14, 2022.

Surviving are three daughters: Susan & Vincent Pedulla of New Bern, NC, Kathleen & Mark Barhorst of Fort Loramie and Marla & Luis Concha of Tipp City; seven of eight grandchildren: Christopher & Amanda Barhorst, Ryan Barhorst, Jason & Elizabeth Barhorst, Vincent Pedulla (dec.), Joseph Pedulla, Michael Pedulla, Analisa & Andre Franca and Antonio Concha along with seven great-grandchildren: Riley, Kale, Harper and Jett Barhorst; Nolan, Ella and Ethan Barhorst; one sister-in-law, Marietta Monnin of McCartyville and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four siblings: Merle Monnin, Audry Monnin, Romanus & Margie Monnin and infant Mary Monnin as well as brothers & sisters-in-law: Andrew Berning, Norma & Nick Bergman, Sylvester & Velma Berning, Marie & James Theis and Fred & Betty Berning.

Irene was a 1952 graduate of Russia High School and had been a dedicated homemaker. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Fort Loramie and the former St. Patrick Church in St. Patrick where she had been a CCD teacher and a long-time grounds keeper for St. Patrick's church, school and cemetery. She also belonged to St. Ann's Ladies Sodality and had been a 27-year volunteer at the FISH store in Sidney. Irene enjoyed playing cards and games of chance. She also loved traveling and attending pitcher dances with her late husband Gene and their friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. John Tonkin and Deacon Paul Timmerman presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Family and friends may call Monday, 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Tuesday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to Glenmary Missions, Grand Lake Hospice or charities of choice.

Private condolences may be expressed at the www.gehretfuneralhome.com website.