Irene Rash, 76, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, after a brief and unexpected illness. She was born in Auglaize County, and lived in many places throughout her life, including an 11-year sojourn on sailboat Wet Sox, before settling in Chapel Hill, N.C., near her youngest daughter. She grew u p in Logan County.
Irene was an adventurous spirit. Besides Wet Sox, her adventures included hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, canoeing the Boundary Waters and riding in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. She was always ready to try new things. She was a Reiki master; knowledgeable about natural healing, herbs and tinctures; an avid gardener and chicken-raiser; and a lover of books and music. Although Irene never taught in a formal classroom, her family and many others learned from her skills, talents and generous example.
Irene loved her family deeply. She is survived by daughters, Donna Bickford of Pennsylvania, Barbara Bickford Wilcox and son-in-law Les Donow of Florida and Susan Bickford and son-in-law, Greg McAvoy of North Carolina; her sister, Jane and brother-in-law, Manley Mitten of Chillicothe; her brother, Jim Rash of Bellefontaine; grandsons, Earl Wilcox, Nathan Wilcox and Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Unity Center of Peace, 8800 Seawell School Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. All friends and family are welcome. Casual clothing is appropriate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Nature Conservancy, Haw River Assembly in North Carolina, or any organization that protects the natural world that she cherished.