Irene H. Windham

Irene Virginia Hatton Windham

Irene slipped peacefully into immortality on April 24, 2026 at the Provo Utah Valley Hospital.

Irene was born in Fillmore, Utah on March 24, 1946 to Porter Melvin Hatton and Virgina Lee Shilhagopian Hatton (nee Jacobs). She was the second of seven children and the first daughter. Her hard-working father managed the family farm. Irene’s mother was a civil engineer from Salt Lake City.

Though her heart remained in Fillmore, she moved with her family to Kearns at the age of 12. A proud 1964 graduate of Granger High School, she went on to attend Brigham Young University in 1965. Her dedication to learning culminated in 1970, when she graduated cum laude with a degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after, she followed her passion for teaching to Anaheim, California, where she began a fulfilling career shaping the lives of young students.

Following her initial years of teaching, she embarked on an 18-month mission to the Alabama-Florida Mission starting in September 1971. Much of her service was dedicated to the Tallahassee community, an experience she remembered with great fondness throughout her life. The bonds she formed during this time were lasting; her mission president, Hartman Rector Jr., not only served as a mentor during her mission but also officiated when she later married.

Throughout her life, Irene remained a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in sharing her musical talents within her community. Her love of music began at a young age when she learned to play the violin, viola, and piano. She played in her high school orchestra and continued to perform as an adult in sacrament meetings. Among her many ward callings, she especially loved serving as the chorister for the Oak Hills 7th Ward in Provo, Utah. For Irene, this was a calling that was far more to her than just leading music. She viewed the hymns as a beautiful extension of the gospel and spent countless hours thoughtfully pairing music with the weekly lessons. She took great delight in finding the hidden threads between the scriptures and the hymns, ensuring that every note sung by the congregation deepened their understanding of the word. Her preparation was a labor of love, turning every sacrament meeting into a more meaningful and spiritual experience for those she served.

Irene married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 10, 1973 and Irene found her greatest joy in fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother to her two sons, Devin and Derek.

Drawing upon her professional background in childhood education, Irene was a tireless advocate for her children. She poured her heart into their development, with her life truly revolving around their education and activities. Her profound devotion and sacrifice as a mother paved the way for her sons' future successes and though no surprise to those who knew her, both sons went on to graduate from Yale University and Harvard Law School.

Irene’s own commitment to learning was equally impressive. While balancing her roles at home, she returned to BYU to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology in 1984. Her professional legacy was defined by 43 years of dedicated service to BYU. Whether she was teaching Elementary Education, guiding students as a counselor, or assisting at the South Campus medical center, she served with a distinction that was recognized in 1989 when President Jeffrey R. Holland presented her with the President’s Appreciation Award.

Irene had a deep, spiritual appreciation for the beauties of the earth, seeing the hand of the Creator in every breathtaking mountain vista, delicate blossom, and the morning song of the birds. She possessed a refined soul that found harmony not only in music and art but in all of God's handiwork. This love for the world led her on many travels, where she honed her shopping skills, finding immense joy in the hunt for the perfect mementos. She would spend hours searching for just the right token of affection to give as a gift, viewing it as a small way to share beauty with those she loved.

Her thirst for light and knowledge was a lifelong pursuit. For decades, she made a pilgrimage to the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City to immerse herself in the arts, and she never missed the spiritual and intellectual feast of BYU Education Week. While on the BYU campus, she delighted in simple pleasures, frequently visiting the BYU Bookstore to stock up on her favorite candies and fine writing instruments. Whether in her ward callings, her career, or her family life, Irene was never one for half-measures; she was, as Coach Mendenhall famously said, "fully invested" in everything she put her hand to.

Irene leaves behind a legacy of profound love and devotion. Her memory will be forever cherished by her beloved sons, Devin and Derek, who were the pride and joy of her life. She is also survived by her dear siblings, David (Evonne) Hatton, Mary (Kelly) Brown, Jewelya Spencer, and Douglas (Wendy) Hatton, as well as a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. Irene has now been joyfully reunited with her parents and her siblings, Gordon (Kathy) Hatton and Annette (Hal) Latimer, who preceded her in death.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Irene’s life. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, the viewing will be from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and the funeral at 5 p.m. at the Oak Hills Chapel (1038 N. 1200 E., Provo, Utah). Irene will be laid to rest at 3:00 p.m. the next day (Saturday) at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all that cared for Irene at the Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.