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Hazel Irene McJunkin, of Cody, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 22, 2026.
Irene was born in Cody on June 1, 1960, to Jack A. and Hazel E. McJunkin. She
graduated from Cody High School, class of 1978. She went on to earn an Associates of Arts in 1982 from Northwest College. Later, she also earned an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics Technology in 2001 from Casper College.
Irene grew up with a love for the outdoors, experiencing just about all it had to offer. You name it, she had tried it. Irene had a deep love for animals. She had numerous dogs and cats throughout her life, rescuing most of them. If someone had a pet in need, Irene was there to help. Her love for the outdoors and animals carried through in all her paintings, and she often created pieces for her loved ones. Irene was an incredibly talented artist.
Caring for others was one of Irene’s greatest joys. She managed the Beehive Homes, and ran her Handy Woman business for years, helping countless people in the community. She also spent much of her time with her nieces and nephews — taking them on bike rides, and teaching them everything from painting to how to find the best yard sales. Irene loved bright colors, especially orange, a warmth reflected in both her art and her spirit. Through these moments, we all saw her true kindness and her love. One of her nieces so lovingly said she felt like all of us were the children she never had, and we couldn’t agree more.
She is survived by her beloved dog and cat; her siblings, Tom (Donna), Mike (Kim), and Della McJunkin; nephews and nieces Kory (Macy) McJunkin, Katie (Dylan) Templin, Forrest (Mallory) Musser, Cordell (Caitlin) McJunkin, Trever McJunkin, Tori Bruce, Wren Bruce, Jozlyn Snelling, Willow, Watson and Waelyn Hazel Templin.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Hazel McJunkin, brothers Robert, James and Dennis McJunkin, and niece Pilar Snelling.
A celebration of life will be held this summer, at a local park. More information to follow.
Memories and condolences can be shared on Irene’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
