Irene Lanell Allen Denton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 26, 2026, at the age of 82.  Irene was born on November 14, 1943, to C. L. and Stella (Baker) Allen.  She was one of eight children and was raised alongside her brothers, Calvin, Jimmy, Dickie, Johnny, Terry, and Glynn Allen, and her sister, Judie Allen Lancaster.

Irene was a proud Bertram Panther and graduated from Bertram High School in 1961.  During her high school years, she played basketball and was a cheerleader, creating memories and friendships she carried with her throughout her life.

In 1962, Irene married the love of her life, G. C. Denton.  Together they built a life and raised three sons, Randy, Colby, and Chris Denton.  Irene lost G. C. far too young, but she carried on with strength and devotion, raising her three boys and making sure they knew what it meant to be good men.  She was immensely proud to see the men that they had become; loving husbands, devoted fathers, and men who reflected the values she had instilled in them.  Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and she never stopped being proud of the lives her boys had built.

To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Mammy”. And in Mammy’s eyes, she had eight grandchildren that were pretty close to perfect.  Her five granddaughters, Taylor, Shelbie, Emily, Karly, and Journey, and her three grandsons, Jaxson, Neil, and Dash, were a tremendous source of pride and joy in her life.  Mammy was one of their biggest supporters and never wanted to miss what was going on in their lives.  Whether she was sitting in the stands watching them play sports, following along on GameChanger, reading about their accomplishments in the newspaper, or calling to get an update when she couldn’t be there in person, she always found a way to be involved.  She was just as invested in their stock show adventures, taking great pride in watching them show their animals and cheering them on every step of the way.  Her grandchildren always knew that Mammy was in their corner.  Irene was a talented seamstress who loved to sew.  She enjoyed sharing that love with her grandchildren and often tried to teach them the art of sewing.  She also believed that there are some things every child simply needed to know, including their multiplication facts.

And if you knew Irene, you knew about her peanut brittle.  Her peanut brittle was, in the family’s opinion, famous.  She often tried to teach others how to make it, but it never compared to her’s.

Irene’s life was centered around family.  She loved deeply, supported wholeheartedly, taught generously, and created memories that will be treasured by her family.

 Irene is preceded in death by her parents, C.L. and Stella Allen; her brother, Calvin Allen and his wife, Yoko; her brother, Dickie Allen; and the love of her life, G. C. Denton.

She leaves behind her sons, Randy Denton (Shelly) of Burnet, Colby Denton (Christie) of Bertram, and Chris Denton (Sunya) of Burnet; grandchildren, Taylor (Jake), Shelbie, Emily (fiancé, Spenser), Jaxson (Kenzy), Karley, Neil, Dash, and Journey; and her two great granddaughters, Murphy and Georgia, daughters of her oldest granddaughter, Taylor. She also leaves behind her siblings, Jimmie Allen (Mary), Johnny Allen, Judie Allen Lancaster (Billy Ralph), Terry Allen (Nancy), and Glynn Allen (Doris); her sister-in-law, Mary Bruce Allen, wife of her brother Dickie; along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Mammy had a way of making the people she loved feel cared for, encouraged, and important.  She showed her love by being there, by teaching, by cheering them on, and by always wanting to know what was happening in their lives.  Those who were lucky enough to call her Mammy will carry these lessons and memories with them for the rest of their lives.  Her family was her greatest joy.  Her place in their hearts will never be filled, and she will be missed by all.

Graveside Services are planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at South San Gabriel Cemetery, Bertram, Texas.  Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 28, 2026 at Jenkins Funeral Home, Burnet, Texas.