POLAND - Dr. Irene M. Houk, 91, of Poland, passed away early Thursday morning, May 30, at Masternick Memorial Health Center. She was born on August 1, 1921 in Columbiana, the daughter of J. Ellsworth and Ada (Rupert) Miller. Irene graduated from Columbiana High School in 1939. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and attained her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1944. Irene held the position of secretary of her class during this accelerated program, and Irene was the only woman in her class. Irene practiced dentistry at the office located at her home for 54 years. She was a 50 year member of the Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Corydon Palmer Dental Society. Irene was a life-long member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield, and functioned in many capacities there. She taught Sunday school for over 50 years, and also was a Bible school teacher. She founded and organized a monthly singles group for those 50 and over to meet at the church for fellowship and activities. A Canfield Fair enthusiast, Irene was an advisor for two 4-H clubs: the Springfield Cooking Teens and the Springfield Booster Boys. She was a watchman for the 4-H horse barns. She operated an information booth for several years, knowing exactly where to tell tired and hungry families to go for a good meal or an excellent exhibit. Irene exhibited many of her needlepoint, cross stitch, and baked goods, winning 'Best of Show' numerous times, both at the Canfield Fair and at the Columbiana County Fair. Irene was also dedicated to education and encouraged the best in all her grandchildren. Both Irene and her grandson, Donnie, held perfect attendance records from seventh grade through graduation from high school. She was a member of the Springfield Local school board for 20 years, serving a couple terms as president. She was named Alumni of the Year for Springfield Local High School, even though she graduated from Columbiana. She actively attended all of her high school and dental school class reunions and enjoyed keeping in touch with her fellow classmates. Her most special memories centered around her family. Every holiday she brought her grandchildren to her kitchen to create their own special dish for the holiday meal. She loved traveling, and a favorite memory was taking her grandchildren to Disney World and a cruise on 'The Big Red Boat.' Irene enjoyed cross stitch and made pillowcases for all of her family members. Through 4-H, she was able to help teach all of her grand-daughters cooking and was able to help them attend competitions at the Ohio State Fair, where several won 'Outstanding of the Day' awards. She also attended all of her grandchildrens' sporting events. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Martha (Larry) Helle of Poland; her son, George (Dr. Kathy) Houk of Poland; grandchildren Beth (Daniel) Catlos of Poland, Donald (Bethann) Helle of Canton, Miriam (Kevin) Maughan of Poland, Annie (Jim) Moore of Canfield, and Katie Houk of Poland; and great-grandchildren Abigail, Rebecca, Benjamin, Courtney, Ashley, Lindsey, Kendall, Ryan, James, and John. She also leaves many nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, G. Albertus Houk, whom she married on March 23, 1949 and who passed away on January 6, 1986; an infant daughter, Miriam, who died in 1952; a great-grandson, Tyler Maughan; a brother, Willis Miller; and a sister, Winnie Martin. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 13519 Woodworth Road, New Springfield, with Pastor Amiee Raymond officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, 11500 Market Street. They will also receive friends an hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. The family would like to thank the staff at Masternick Memorial for all the love, care, and concern they showed Irene. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made in Irene's memory to the Canfield Fair Foundation, PO Box 250, Canfield, OH 44406, or the Columbiana County Fair Foundation, Attn: Sharen Cope, PO Box 356, Lisbon, OH 44432 to be used for a memorial award in the arts and crafts departments. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements for their loved one to Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or to leave private condolences.