Evelyn Irene Carothers

Evelyn Irene Merical Carothers, lovingly known as Irene, age 81, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian after a brief battle with illness. She went to be in the arms of Jesus, reunited with her beloved daughter, Sonie, and welcomed into eternal peace.

Irene was born April 15, 1944, in East Liverpool, Ohio. She devoted her life to her family and her faith, which were always the most important things to her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Dale Carothers; her daughter, Michelle (Dave) Jones; her son, Dale (Heather) Carothers; her cherished grandchildren, Duane (Ashley) Myers, Nathan (Ashlee) Jones, Christian (Brandi) Myers, Josh Jones, Michelle (Nathanael) Musselman, Tristan Carothers, Meghan Carothers, and Stefanie Carothers; and her adored great-grandchildren, Lily Jones, Greyson Myers, Roman Myers, Liam Jones, Brooklynn Myers, Cash Myers, Scarlett Musselman, and Jagger Myers. She is also survived by her siblings, Dottie (Glen) Detwiler, Thomas (Barbara) Merical, Christy Freeman, and Matt Freeman.

She was preceded in death by her precious daughter, Sonie Myers; her mother, Donna Jean Roush Merical; and her father, Gilbert Freeman.

Irene truly lived up to the name “Miracle.” Twenty-five years ago, she received the extraordinary gift of a heart transplant, a blessing that allowed her many more years to love, pray, and serve others. Her life after transplant was a testimony of faith, gratitude, and perseverance.

She chose the role of stay-at-home mother, a calling she embraced wholeheartedly. Irene loved children and was known for her generous spirit, kind heart, and deep compassion. Friends often referred to her as an “angel,” and those closest to her knew her fierce “mama bear” nature when it came to protecting her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a gentle way of making people feel loved.

A devoted woman of faith, Irene dearly loved her church family. She was a true prayer warrior, always keeping a list of people and needs to lift up before the Lord. She loved Bible study, knew Scripture well, and joyfully talked about her faith. Irene lived with complete assurance that Jesus Christ was her Savior, and that confidence carried her through every trial.

In her younger years, Irene enjoyed writing poetry, reading, and singing. She treasured trips to the movies—first with her children and later with her grandchildren. Some of her greatest joys came from watching her grandchildren grow, observing the birds from her living room, and enjoying her home where she could take in the wildlife she loved so much.

Music was a constant comfort to Irene, especially the Gaither Vocal Band, whose songs sustained her through her heart transplant and many seasons of life.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8pm and funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 11am at the Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home, 273 Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In faith, the family takes comfort in the words of Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Irene’s life was a testimony of faith, love, and grace. Her legacy lives on through her family and all those she prayed for, encouraged, and loved so well. She will be deeply missed until the day her loved ones are reunited with her again.