Irene R. Deatherage, of Chesterton, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004 at V.N.A. Horton Hospice Center Valparaiso. She was 83.

She was born Dec. 12, 1921 in Chicago, the daughter of Samuel and Emily Rigas, both of whom preceded her in death.

On March 16, 1963 in Chicago, she married Donald D. Deatherage, who survives in Chesterton.

She was an area resident since 1985. She was a registered medical technologist. She was employed at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., where she received a 50 year award and The American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She was a member of First United Methodist Church; former member of Westchester Bowling League and member of Eastern Star in Ill.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Cremation will be at Heritage Crematory, Portage.

Memorials may be made to the Independent Cat Society or the Salvation Army or American Heart or Cancer Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home.

Posted 12/29/2004