Longtime Texico Resident Gladys Irene Donoho Dies at 87

Donoho, a lifelong farmer's wife and active church member, passed away after a battle with dementia.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:30pm

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Gladys Irene Donoho, 87, of Texico, Illinois, died on March 14, 2026, at her home after a lengthy battle with dementia. Donoho was born in 1938 and married her farmer husband Delbert in 1955. Together they built a dairy, grain, and swine farm, with Irene taking on many roles including milking cows, driving trucks, and operating farm equipment. Irene was known for her cooking, baking, and sewing skills, and was an active member of Wells Chapel General Baptist Church.

Why it matters

Donoho's life story reflects the experiences of many rural Midwestern farm families in the mid-20th century, highlighting the vital role women played in sustaining family farms and the close-knit communities centered around local churches. Her passing marks the end of an era as fewer family-owned farms remain in operation.

The details

Irene Donoho was born in 1938 in Wayne County, Illinois. She married her husband Delbert in 1955 when he was home on leave from the U.S. Army. Together they built a successful dairy, grain, and swine farm, with Irene taking on a wide range of tasks from milking cows to driving trucks. Irene was known for her cooking, baking, and sewing skills, earning the nickname "The Pie Lady" for her tasty pies. She was also an active member of Wells Chapel General Baptist Church for over 60 years.

  • Irene Donoho was born on August 25, 1938.
  • Irene and Delbert Donoho were married on April 15, 1955.
  • Delbert Donoho passed away on November 30, 1998.
  • Irene Donoho passed away on March 14, 2026.

The players

Gladys Irene Donoho

An 87-year-old resident of Texico, Illinois who passed away after a battle with dementia. She was a lifelong farmer's wife and active member of Wells Chapel General Baptist Church.

Delbert E. Donoho

Irene's husband, a farmer whom she married in 1955 while he was home on leave from the U.S. Army. Together they built a successful dairy, grain, and swine farm.

Wells Chapel General Baptist Church

The church where Irene Donoho was a member for over 60 years and was known as the "oldest member" at the time of her death.

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The takeaway

Irene Donoho's life exemplified the vital role women played in sustaining family farms and close-knit rural communities in the Midwest during the mid-20th century. Her passing marks the end of an era as fewer family-owned farms remain in operation today.