Irene R. Case

Boonville - Irene Ruth Rapp Case died peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on August 10, 2026. Irene…Mom. Wife. Business Owner. Great friend. ATV enthusiast. Card playing Junkie. Paper finger-licker. Cat lover.

Irene was born on May 10, 1942, to Eva and Albert Rapp, in rural N.J., on her grandparents farm and spent her formative years running barefoot and causing mischief with her sister Eve and brothers Dickie & Little Charlie. What an incandescent childhood on the Rapp Farm!

Irene loved high school and the close friends that she kept throughout life. She looked forward to the adventures that every day brought them. Gregarious by nature, she became a telephone operator in the time of switchboards and party lines. In the early 1960’s she met and married Charles Case. They were married for over 60 years, having 5 children at the get-go. Charlie often worked 3 jobs in those tough times, leaving Irene corralling 5 young kids by herself. But Irene was as tough as the times were.

In the early 1970’s, the whole family, (pets and possessions included), moved to West Leyden, NY, where they built, owned, lived at and operated The Hideaway Restaurant. For the first 5 years, it was a non-stop 24/7 life; Irene thrived. Irene made friends of everyone who entered The Hideaway. The families on the road became steadfast confidants, having holiday banquets every year and zany outings. Irene played a major role in making the Hideaway famous for its hospitality and food.

The 1980s came and the family moved to Boonville, to start new adventures. The early 1990’s saw the start of Charlies Liquor Store. Charlie retired early and Irene was the face you saw for over 15 years. She woke up with a smile every day, before heading to work. Irene made the customer feel like family with her down home charm. Once again, she was part of a famous local business. Irene loved her grandchildren, and she also loved her extended family. All exes remained as part of her circle, because, if you became family, you remained family.

Irene is survived by 3 children, Nona- Guy -Dean, and her sister Eve, as well as nieces and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and children Tara and Dirk as well as both of her brothers.

Irene…thank you for making us better people. Thank you for loving us. You will always be in our hearts.

Services will be private, but if anyone wants to do a remembrance, please be kind to animals and think of Irene.

For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.