Ilene Georgette Zorbaugh (Girrbach)

Ilene Georgette Zorbaugh (Girrbach) – of Temperance, Michigan – died on Friday March 15, 2024, in her home surrounded by her husband and children.  A private celebration of life is planned for a later date.

Born on January 28, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan.  Irene was the daughter of George and Helen (Apple) Girrbach.  She graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy of Monroe, Michigan.  On May 2, 1964 - on the steps of the USO hall of the Air Force in Sacramento, California – Ilene’s life would change forever after a handsome USAF airman, Ray Leon Zorbaugh bet her he could beat her up the stairs.  3 months later, on August 10, 1964, they would wed at Fort Sutter Chapel in Sacramento, California, and the rest is history.  Ilene loved to sew, and her family was always sporting new clothing that Ilene would tailor to fit each person perfectly.  Once her children were raised, Ilene went on to become a massage therapist and teacher of massage therapy.  When not working or teaching, Ilene enjoyed traveling anywhere to shops and if there was a casino nearby, it would have been even better.  Ilene’s favorite time of year was the annual “Zorbaugh” family trip to Raber Bay, Michigan.  It would be a week of family dinners, shopping, casino trips, and ending each day with a bonfire, sharing old family stories, and making new ones.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Ray of 59.5 years, daughters: Jodi (Don) Herkimer, Heidi Zorbaugh, Jill (Marc) Gauthier, sons: George (Krys) Zorbaugh and Jacob Zorbaugh.  11 grandchildren: Joshua, Amber, Brittany, Jennifer, Anna, Carissa, Sven, Mitchell, Dawson, Sage, and Trinity, and 15 great-grandchildren.  Brothers, Mark (Connie) Girrbach and Tom Girrbach.  Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Miranda, and sister-in-law Jan Girrbach.

Memorial contributions can be made to: St. Jude’s or Humane Ohio Spay/Neuter Clinic.