Mary Irene Rager, 97AKRON - Mary Irene Rager, 97, formerly of rural Akron, Indiana passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Peabody Retirement Community of North Manchester, Indiana where she has resided for the past six years.She was born on August 24, 1919 in her grandmother Arter's house near Akron to Dewey and Gladys (Arter) Merley.As a young girl she learned a strong work ethic by delivering newspapers in Akron and later helping her mother cook for lumberjacks in Michigan.Attending Akron Schools for twelve years, she graduated 3rd in her class.  She married her high school sweetheart, Verl Wesley Rager at the home of Rev. Daniel Slaybaugh on December 24, 1937.  He preceded her in death on September 27, 2006.As a stay at home mom, she kept herself busy reading, sewing, and knitting sweaters for family members.  She also belonged to the Stringtown Club, Bunco Club, Ruth Circle, taught Sunday school, and was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.When her four children were in school she worked at A&P, sewed casket linings, and worked at Heckman Bindery in North Manchester from which she retired.  She also found time to be a regular blood donor, work the census, worked election days, was a Girl Scout leader, a Boy Scout Den Mother, and an avid Purdue Basketball fan.      Survivors and place of residence daughter, Laura Reese of Akron; sons, Eldon and wife, Jenean Rager of N. Manchester, Philip and wife, Sue Rager of Portland; grandchildren,David Rice of Hartford City, Melissa (Aaron) Walt of N. Manchester, Kelli (Chris) Hooks of Rochester, Christopher (Heather) Rager of New Haven, Stephanie (Keith) Winchester of Fairmount, Michael (Mary) Rager of Fishers, Steven (Rachelle) Reese of Rochester, Ryan (Lindsey) Reese of Rochester, Shari (Craig) Durkes of Akron, and Scott Reese of Akron; seventeen great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Catherine Merley; several nieces and nephewsShe is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Verla Jean Rice; son-in-laws, Darrell Rice and Calvin Reese; granddaughter, Bonnie Jean Rice and a brother, William Merley.Services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Rev. Phil Pratt and Rev. Junior Bose will officiate. Burial will be at Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana.Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Ind.Memorial contributions to: Kindred Hospice or the Bethlehem Baptist ChurchShare a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com