On June 9th 1950 in Pittsburg CA, George H. Bruetsch of Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Fern Marie Reich of Downs, Kansas, gave life to Irene Roseanne Bruetsch. A child with an active imagination and a gift of artistic abilities, Irene lived on her own terms, with a strength and vigor known to few.

On Wednesday, January 29th, 2020, as the dawn of a new day broke, Irene Roseanne Bruetsch-McEwen, age 69, awoke to give thanks for another day filled with sunshine and grace. Though her body was tired, her spirit soared; full of gratitude to be able to draw another breath every second she was blessed with upon this earth.

As the sun floated across the sky and settled on the evening horizon, Irene took her last breath passing away peacefully in her sleep to join her beloved husband, James Paul McEwen, in our Creator's eternal caring embrace.

She is preceded in death by her parents and older brother William Bruetsch, sister-in-law Julie Bruetsch and brother-in-law's Michael Attama and Jack Colburn.

Left to honor Irene and her late husband James, are their daughters and spouses respectfully, Dina and Ken Jordan; Tennille and James Fields. In addition, Irene's sisters. Naomi Attama and Cindy Haff; James' sister, Sally McEwen-Colburn and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will forever adore and remember Irene and James. Their legacy will live on through stories and memories shared by those who love them.

Our hearts and minds are at peace knowing you both walk beside us... watching over us with our ancestors.

"You belong among the wildflowers. You belong somewhere close to me, far away from your trouble and worry. You belong somewhere you feel free" —Wildflowers, Tom Petty.