Irene Elizabeth Batove

Irene E. Batove, 77, passed peacefully from this world surrounded by her children, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:58 PM at Allegheny General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born on August 12, 1948, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, Irene Elizabeth Hixon was the beloved daughter of the late Duane Kerr Hixon and Catherine Elizabeth Beam Hixon. She was a lifelong resident of South Strabane Township, Washington, Pennsylvania, a place she proudly called home.

Irene attended Trinity Area Schools and graduated from Trinity High School in 1966. During her school years, she was a majorette and enjoyed sewing and secretarial studies—interests that reflected her creativity, attention to details, and care for others. After graduation, she worked at Drakenfeld Colors in Washington until 1974. In 1992, Irene began her career with the Trinity Area School District, serving as Secretary of Technology and Safety, where she was known for her dedication and kindness. She retired in 2014 after many years of faithful service.

It was at Trinity that Irene met the love of her life, James L. Batove. They were married on June 15, 1968, at The Church of the Covenant in Washington and shared 39 loving years together until Jim’s passing in 2007. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children: son JD Batove and wife, Dana Glessner and grandson Jacob; daughters April E. Batove and husband, Jeffrey Rydzak and Cerra Coddington and husband, Michael.

Irene was a devoted homemaker whose love was felt in countless quiet ways. She found joy in sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking cookies and decorating cakes, and her happiest place was at home. Her backyard was her personal oasis—where she swam in her pool, tended her garden and flowers, watched birds, and delighted in seeing her grand-puppies play ball. Family meant everything to Irene, whether gathered at home or traveling together to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Anchorage, Alaska, Hawaii, or Rhode Island.

A lifelong member of The Church of the Covenant, Irene shared her generous spirit through the Hands and Hearts program, lovingly crocheting prayer shawls and baby blankets as expressions of comfort, faith, and care for others.

In addition to her children and grandson, Irene is survived by her sisters, Reppa Cottrell (Daniel) and Bobbie Lucas; her brother, Eugene Hixon (Debbie); many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Jim and brother-in-law, Denny Lucas.

In keeping with Irene’s wishes, arrangements will be private, with entombment at Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Washington Area Humane Society, Eighty-Four, PA.