Irene M. Rutz, 91, of Fullerton, died Aug. 19, 2012, peacefully in her sleep at home.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Charles S. and Ellen (Luckey) Miller.

She and her husband Ernest J. Rutz were married 42 years at the time of his death on Aug. 3, 1986.

She was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church and Golden Agers of Whitehall.

She enjoyed her memberships in Lehigh County Senior Citizens and the Northampton Liederkranz.

She loved polka dancing, playing bingo and pinochle, but was famous for her homemade crème puffs, taffy and hard nut candy.

An expert seamstress, she worked at the former Keystone Dress Factory for more than 43 years before retiring.

Her survivors include a daughter Connie R. Kershner and husband, Richard, of South Whitehall; sons Robert E. of Fullerton, Michael H. and his wife Eileen (Curry) of Hanover Township, and Edward J. and wife Lucy (Strella) of New Tripoli; grandchildren Bradley, Joshua, Kelly, Matthew and wife Devon, Christopher, Kiel, Nichole and Sara; great-grandson Trevor; a host of nieces, nephews and their families; sister-in-law Elizabeth "Lizzie" Miller.

She was predeceased by sisters Eleanor Ritz, Ruth Mink, Gertrude Pavlics and brother, Leo Miller.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Thomas R. Buckley 10 a.m. Aug. 23, in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. Her viewing will begin 8:30 a.m. in the church foyer.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Upper Macungie Township.

Contributions may be made to the church memorial fund, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall PA 18052.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home, Whitehall.