Services will be streamed live at: https://zoom.us/j/98774586867?pwd=r9YLLdDInkc87sJFknowsFs2E8VvEc.1

June 14, 1937 - September 13, 2025

Irene was born June 14, 1937 in Ferron, Utah, to Robert Leslie Hansen and Francis Ivella Rhodes Hansen.

She was the fourth of five children and the only girl. When Irene was 3 years old, she was Little Miss America for her town. She went to the stage and sang God Bless America and this inspired her love of music and entertaining.

Irene grew up singing and playing music with her family. She sang for two dance bands in high school and later went on to sing with the Sweet Adeline's A Cappella group and the Jay Welch Chorale. Irene spent 25 years directing her local ward and stake choirs. She loved music and shared her love and knowledge of it with all she could.

Irene knew how to work hard and had many careers throughout her life. She grew up on a farm and started working young. Her first paying job was when she was 13 and she worked for a local dentist until she married James A Pettey at 17. During her life, she had the opportunity to work at the Salt Lake Board of Education. She loved working with others to plan music related activities for the children in the school district. Irene's most recent job was serving others as a home health aide. She loved helping others and never met a stranger.

Irene was married to James A. Pettey from 1955 to 1969 until James unexpectedly passed away. They had five children together; two boys and two girls and one boy deceased. Irene married Roger A. Brown in May of 1971. Roger brought with him 10 children; nine of which were living. With the blending of the families, they were a family of 17. Irene worked with Roger as the office manager for his OBGYN clinic while managing a household of many children.

One of Irene's greatest accomplishments was representing the state of Utah as Mrs. Utah 1979 in the Mrs. America pageant.

Irene had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of Him personally as her Savior. She never shied away from sharing how He had helped her throughout her life. Her final mission was sharing a study book about the Book of Mormon that she put together during covid. To date over 400 books have been shared and many testimonies have been strengthened.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, four of her five brothers, her three sons and one daughter and also two grandsons. Irene is survived by her brother Ray, daughter Sharlene, 9 stepchildren and their families, 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank her many friends, ward members and hospice team including; Addison, Deana, McKell, and Heather for all of their loving care and support.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6-7:30 pm at the church building located at 1960 N 1500 E Provo, UT 84604.

The funeral will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025,  at 12 pm at 1960 N 1500 E Provo, UT 84604. There will be a viewing preceding the funeral from 10-11:30 for those who wish to come pay their respects.