Irene Lucille Clough Hogstrom Dexter was peacefully called Home on February 10, 2024 at age 98.  She was a lovely lady who brought a smile to everyone's face.

Irene was born at home on September 4, 1925 in the township of Irondale, Minnesota to Emma Carpenter and Ernest Lenwood "Len" Clough. She was a dear soul who even as a child had a heart as big as the sky. As a little girl she loved helping her grandmother and had a close loving relationship with her sisters. She remained close to her three sisters Katie, Katherine and Helen, until each of them were called Home. Irene loved to play games, especially cards, and anytime you would visit she would say "we could play a game". Her door was always open to visitors and she would always say "come again soon!" as you would leave. Irene was very creative and talented, having done various beautiful paintings that hung in her home as well as in family members' homes. Her creativity was also seen in the kitchen, she could whip up a full meal from just about anything. She made the best desserts, was well known for her peanut brittle and penuche, and always had a tin of cookies on her counter.

Irene married her dear love Herman Hogstrom on August 2, 1942 in Brainerd, Minnesota.  They were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby.  They had two daughters, Carol and Darlene who were born and raised in Minnesota until they moved to Pasadena, Texas in 1962.  They joined First Lutheran Church and were very active members there, attending every Sunday.  She really enjoyed the Sunday drives Herman would take them on as a family.  They loved to travel and visit family. They were known to go stay a week with a family member or have some come stay a week with them, the door was always open.  They were married for 32 years, as Herman was called Home on August 27, 1974.

Irene married her dear love Olen Earl Dexter on February 14, 1987 in Pasadena, Texas.  They were active members of First Lutheran Church which later became Peace Lutheran Church.  She was very involved in the Women's Circle. She made items for the church bazaar year after year including her delicious peanut brittle, knit and crocheted items, and many baked goods. Earl had a vast garden that they tended to, ate fresh what they could, and sold off all the extras every summer. Many local people knew them by name and would look forward to stopping by to visit with them on their porch. They were married for 30 years, Irene lovingly cared for Earl until he was called Home June 15, 2017.

Irene worked at the Sam Rayburn Cafeteria, Palais Royal, and then at Sears in Pasadena for 20 years. There she was a vital part of receiving and accounting where she was respected and made great friends with her coworkers. She was also an excellent seamstress, having made Carol's prom dress, wedding dress and many two piece suits. Irene was lovingly known as "Granny" to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She had a great sense of humor and was known for her little jokes.  Irene was truly a lady who never spoke an unkind word about anyone.

Irene was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Dennis "Denny" Huffman, sisters Katie Orminston, Katherine Lindroth, and Helen Wynn. Irene is survived by her daughters Carol Dunkel (Robert) of Longmont, Colorado, and Darlene Huffman of La Porte, Texas; grandchildren James Richmond (Jennifer), Daniel Richmond (Megan), and Alycia Miller (Christopher); and great-grandchildren Layla Miller, Alex and Andy Richmond, and Sawyer and Finn Richmond.

The service honoring her life will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church, 6435 Fairmont Parkway., Pasadena, Texas 77505. The family will welcome friends one hour prior to the service and invite them to stay for a reception following the service.