Irene M Volk

Our beloved mother, Irene Mildred (Cebulko) Volk passed away on January 27, 2026, just two months shy of her 101st birthday. She was born on March 28, 1925 in Hawk Run, Pennsylvania as one of eight children to Andrew and Mary (Hovrath) Cebulko. On December 10, 1952 she married a local boy, Michael "Mick" Volk, who was serving in the Air Force. As an Air Force wife, she began their family with a new daughter Deborah. They were stationed in Maine, Louisiana, San Antonio, Texas, Ramstein, Germany and North Dakota. While in Texas another child entered the family, Michael David. After retirement, Mick and Irene moved to Canton, Ohio then on to Springfield, Illinois where they spent 26 years. In 2009, Mick retired again and they moved to spend their later years near their daughter Deborah and her husband Roger Black in Rootstown, Ohio. She became a member of Saint Peter of the Fields Church in Rootstown. Her faith was always very important to her and helped her during the various moves in her life. Irene was an attentive, loving, caring, wife and mother, always a positive person. One of her friends described her as a little porcelain doll. Her niece Elaine said "Aunt Irene was so tiny, but such a beautiful, silently strong woman. There is so much to be learned from her." She was loved by so many who all found her to be full of compassion, kindness and love. Irene was strong and independent, wanting nothing from anyone, just wanting to give. As a mother and wife there was none better. Just before her husband of 69 years passed away, they moved to Kentridge in Kent. She participated in many of their activities and made some very dear friends who loved her and watched out for her. Irene is survived by her children Deborah (Roger) Black and Michael (Mona) Volk, step grandchildren Hadley, Satchel and Lindsay, great grandchildren Hunter and Layla, to whom she was just GGMA. Calling hours will be from 1 PM to 2 PM Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Shorts Spicer Crtislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM Monday, February 2, 2026 at St. Peter of the Fields Church in Rootstown (PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Burial will follow in St. Peter of the Fields Church Cemetery. A special word of thanks to Heritage Hospice and the staff and residents of Kentridge who always treated Irene with love and kindness. The family cannot thank you enough. A special thanks to her posse with whom she ate her meals, played bingo and cards, talked and laughed with daily and just added so much love to her life.