Irene Frances Coughenour, 97 of Colo, died Friday, September 3, 2021. Irene was born February 28, 1924, in rural Story County, the daughter of Carl Edward and Vera Frances (Gearhart) Cooper. She graduated from Colo High School in 1942. Irene was baptized in 1940 and joined the Evangelical Church in Colo where she taught Sunday School classes for many years. Irene married Levi Coughenour and together they made their home on the Coughenour farm south of Colo, raising their two boys, Richard Allen and Michael Eugene. Irene worked at Niland's Café, Donnelly's Marketing and at Bourns in Ames for 33 years, retiring in 1991. In her later years, she spent time with her grandchildren and loved to dance. In the evening, she enjoyed crocheting afghans and potholders. Irene is survived by her son, Michael of Colo; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Richard; a great-granddaughter, Kaila Coughenour; two brothers; and two sisters. A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the Colo United Methodist Church (602 4th Street) in Colo with Pastor Kerrin Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will follow at the Colo Cemetery in Colo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colo United Methodist Church in memory of Irene. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com