Irma Fenstermaker

Irma L. Fenstermaker, also known as “Grammy Butter” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, died peacefully on Friday morning, March 7, 2025.Irma, known to all by her sparkling blue eyes and easy smile, had just celebrated her 102nd birthday the prior week. Born on February 27, 1923, Irma was the daughter of Robert and Alice Lewis. She was the third of eight children, growing up in the Depression with her siblings on an orchard and vegetable farm on the west side of Columbus. She and her siblings were among the few farm kids who attended Columbus West High School. Irma, always full of energy, captained the Columbus West girls basketball team; while in high school she and her sister Leah earned their place in famil ylore by riding bikes (single gear, poor brakes) all the way from the west side of Columbus to Bainbridge, Ohio, and riding back again the next day. Irma was an excellent student in high school even though most evenings, especially Friday nights, were reserved for preparing vegetables and plucking chickens to sell at the Central Market in downtown Columbus each Saturday, the primary source of income for her family. Irma attended Ohio State University after high school and became a registered nurse in 1944. After her marriage to Paul on June 10, 1944, and his graduation from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1945, they borrowed $30.00 and an old Chevy to journey to Williamsport to begin their grand adventure in life together. Irma worked briefly as a nurse at Berger Hospital, but with only a single vehicle (which Paul needed for his veterinary rounds) she was forced to give up her position. Undeterred, she dedicated decades of service to the Williamsport community, assisting Paul as unofficial anesthetist in small animal surgeries and administering shots and inoculations to locals for ailments and allergies. Most important, she became mother to Rick (Nancy Jane), Nancy (Bill), Becky and Rachel (Dave), devoting her time and energy to countless school, church and community projects, including as a 4-Hadvisor, Girl Scout advisor and also served on the Pickaway County Library Board .Later in life, she became a founding member of the local women’s Tai-Chi group and served as an inspiration as she continued her workouts well into her 90s. Paul predeceased Irma on August 14, 2022. They were married for more than 78 years. Irma’s brothers (Bill and Dick) and three sisters (Betty, Leah and Mary) also predeceased her; she is survived by her younger sisters, Jo Ricketts and Carol Smith. She is also survived by her children and her grandchildren, Traci (Brad), Travis (Jenny), Mindy (Jon), Jeb (Amy), Will(Libby), Kate (Eric), Lisa (Mike), Kyle (Sara), Evan, Emma and 23 greatgrandchildren (and one great-great grandchild).The family would like to say a special thanks to the wonderful caretakers who served Irma so well over the past few years. The family also would like to express appreciation to Adena Hospice. The Family will hold visitation at 10:00 a.m. on March 29, 2025 at Williamsport Methodist Church followed by a funeral service. A lunch will follow at The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms. Graveside services will be private with family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westfall Education Foundation, the Williamsport United Methodist Church and the Southwest Pickaway Fire District. Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.