Frankie Irene Wendt Mize

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mrs. Frankie Irene Wendt Mize, age 78, of Sautee-Nacoochee. Mrs. Mize passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Irene was born on March 27, 1935 in Tatum, New Mexico to the late Frank E. McLaren and Willie Bell "Sammie" Browning McLaren.

Irene graduated from Redlands High School and San Bernardino Valley College. She later married the "man of her dreams," William F. "Bill" Wendt, in Redlands, California in 1952 where they resided until 1965. At that time they relocated to Warner Robins, Georgia with their two young sons.

Irene was ordained as Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Warner Robins, GA. and served many wonderful and fulfilling years as the church secretary. Irene and her family were highly dedicated and active in every aspect of the church life and the church family.

Beginning in 1974, she began working full-time for the civil service at Robins Air Force Base. She advanced quickly in her new career and was selected for special training as a computer programmer and analyst where she remained until her retirement in 1989.

Following the death of William F. Wendt in 1982, Irene later married William J. Mize in 1987.

They both continued to be active members in the First Presbyterian Church in Warner Robins.

Irene and William J. "Bill" Mize later retired and moved to Sautee-Nacoochee in 2001 with their long-time friends from Warner Robins, Henry and Frances McGirt. This area of the North Georgia Mountains was truly "God's Country" to them.

Irene soon became a leader in their Sky Mountain Homeowners Association, serving as treasurer, secretary and member-at-large for many years.

She had a lifetime reputation as the best cook and baker around and loved to entertain and feed family, friends, neighbors and even strangers, with some of the best meals and her one-of-a-kind desserts.

Irene will always be remembered for her generous heart, her deep love and care for her family and friends, for unceasing kindness to others, and for her never ending cheerful and hopeful disposition, all of which she retained to her last day. The hearts and lives of those who knew her will never again be as bright.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert E. McLaren, her first husband, William F. Wendt Sr., by second husband William J. Mize, and her grandson, Jonathan Wendt

Survivors include son William F. "Bill" Wendt, Jr., and his wife, April, of Milledgeville, GA.; son Donald F. Wendt and his wife, Rhonda, of Dahlonega, GA.; daughter Jacquelyn Mize Pettit and her husband, Greg Pettit, of Auburn, AL; grandchildren Wendy Wendt, Jeremiah Wendt, Kari McDuffie, and Stefan Pettit; great grandchildren, Jonathan Wendt II, Haleigh Pennington, Ivy Wendt, Alexis Wendt, Donya Wendt, and Leah Crisp; and her beloved cats, Angie and Diablo.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 5 until 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to The Charles Smithgall Humane Society/Animal Shelter, 4823 Helen Hwy. 75N, Sautee Nacoochee, GA. 30571.

To share a memory of Mrs. Irene Mize or to send a condolence, please visit www.alexander-funeral.com. Alexander Funeral Home is in charge arrangements. (706) 865-1500.