Irene M. Rute, 96, of Northampton, died Oct. 30, 2024, at Fellowship Community, Whitehall. She was the wife of Walter Rute for 73 years.

Born in Weaversville, she was a daughter of the late Charles F.O. and Jennie E. (Rodgers) Bittner.

She was employed at the former D&D Shirt Company, Northampton, and the former Cigar Manufacturing Company, Allentown.

A member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Northampton, she volunteered on the church Altar Guild.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rose Croix Chapter.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Bonnie and husband Jeffrey Fink of Whitehall and Peggy Geiger of Northampton; a son, Warren and wife Linda of Bethlehem; three grandchildren, Jennie, Lauren and Alexis; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Mazie Dieter and Betty Worman; and six brothers, Raymond, Paul, Elwood, Harold, Edward and Clarence.

Contributions may be made to the church memorial fund, c/o the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, 18067.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home Inc.