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 family

lore 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-H

advisor, 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 great

grandchildren (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 funeral services at 10:00 a.m. on March 29th at

Williamsport Methodist Church (followed by a lunch 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 PickawayOnline condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.