Irene A. Brookhart, 82, of Columbiana, passed away in her home following a brief illness at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Mrs. Brookhart, the daughter of L.P. "Dusty" and Bernie (Kessen) Bomholt, was born on January 30, 1930 in Cassella, OH. After attending schools in Celina, Ohio, she graduated from St. Mary's Academy, Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin in 1948. In 1971 the family moved to Columbiana from Celina, Ohio when "Jake" became affiliated with American Paper Products. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Columbiana and its U.M.W., having served as secretary and served on other Church committees. She was 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star, a member of #428, Columbiana. Irene was active for many years in Celina and Columbiana Band and Sports Boosters and a recipient in Dec. 2000 of the "Clipper Key Award". An advocate of education and schools she also had a great appreciation and love of music. Memories were many, seeing and dancing to most of the big bands of the 1940's and 1950's and seeing Frank Sinatra in concert. Camping, sports, cookouts and family vacations at "The Outer Banks" combined with following all the endeavors of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments made her life, in her words, "exciting and complete". Irene retired in 1992 from Sheelys Furniture, after 20 years as cashier/receptionist. In prior years she worked for the Reynolds and Reynolds Printing, Celina, and J.C. Penneys buying office in Celina and Southern Park Mall Irene was married September 24, 1949 to Marion L. "Jake" Brookhart. They had celebrated 48 years of marriage at the time of his death February 10, 1998. One son Ted Brookhart precedes her in death. Family was the focal point of her existence and the most important aspect of her life. She is survived by half brother Tom Bomholt, two daughters, Julie (Wayne) Kinard, Lorraine (Bill) Bailey, two sons, Gary (Barb) Brookhart, and Ron (Paulette) Brookhart, grand children Arlo, Brian, Carey, Brooke, Jenna, Eric, Andrea, Kellie, Ryan , and Drew, and great grandchildren Emily, Maddie, Hannah, Hunter, Ethan, Tyler, and Avery Services will be held Friday, March 30, 2012 at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, Columbiana, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Paula Archdeacon officiating. Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2012 at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers family suggests material contributions be made to the Ted Brookhart memorial fund which is in Care of Farmers Bank of Columbiana or the First United Methodist Church, Columbiana