October 24, 1931 to December 15, 2023

Irene was born to Frank and Elta Marks in Newman, California. She met her Great Creator under her own terms surrounded by immediate family members.

During high school she competed and won “Miss Stanislaus County. After graduation she attended the College of the Pacific; in Stockton. graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Art. During that time she was a member of a national sorority, “Tau Kappa Kappa.” She also won the title of “Reno Ski Queen”.

Upon graduation she married David Otis, who later became an attorney, City Attorney and Judge. They lived in Mt. Shasta, California where they raised their three children.

In 1984, her life changed dramatically by divorce. She moved to San Francisco where she modeled professionally on runway ramps and in print.

After five years she married again and moved to Marin County. There she established a business using her considerable artistic talents; creating business cards, greeting cards, posters, personal projects, live quick- sketching at high school grad nights, and parties. She also illustrated children’s books.

She became a health consultant, utilizing her interest and comprehensive knowledge of maintaining good health for herself and others.

In Marin she joined a modeling group, “The Mannequin League,” which donated all of its earnings to Marin charities. She also modeled for “Willis, The Wizard of Accessories, unusual head-wraps and accessories.” She was a long-time model for the Helen Lyall Boutique of Vallejo and Napa, often purchasing her favorite gowns and accessories.

In 1989 she competed in the “Beauties of America” pageant in Los Angeles and won the 50’s age category. From there, on to the national competition, which took place on the Carnival Cruise Line to the Bahamas. She was 1st runner-up.

Her second marriage lasted two years.

Working at Nordstrom Inc. in Marin County, California helped to keep her wardrobe up-to-date.

In 1998 magic happened. Weldon rode up on his customized Harley-Davidson motorcycle and that was “all she wrote.” They “clicked” immediately, moved to Rough and Ready, California where they found their “Nirvana” in 2006 and married in February 2007. Their home contains many of her works in various media. In her 80’s, she erected a scaffold and painted a large mural on the outside of their home.

They were politically conservative and socially liberal; active members in many political and social realms. From them, they formed many enduring friendships.

She leaves Weldon, her younger Brother Bernhard Marks; a gravel plant owner and inveterate collector and his wife Nida; his three children, Bernie and his wife Kim, Henry and his wife Joanne, and Karen Arthur. Additionally, Lynne Otis, actor, an instructor for actors and employed by a prestigious law firm in NYC. Brian Otis and his wife Lorraine, both retired, successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Diana Kulok and her wife, Lisa, both successful businesswomen. Finally; she leaves her grandchildren, Douglas Otis and his wife Natasha; and Julie Otis and her partner Jon Fanning, all of Portland, Oregon.

A Celebration of Life for Irene will be held at the Rough and Ready Grange Hall, announced at a time sufficient enough for early planning.

Submitted by her loving and grateful husband Weldon, in collaboration with other family members.