Irene May Elizabetha Smith

Irene May Elizabetha (Dannels) Smith, 96, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Fredonia. She was born May 25, 1912 in Fredonia, the daughter of Arthur E. and Ida E. (Short) Dannels. She was graduated from Fredonia High School in 1932. On October 21, 1934 in Fredonia, she married Paul Russell Smith. He preceded her in death May 7, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Melvin G. Smith; one grandson, Karl J. Smith; and three brothers, Edgar Dannels, Ralph Dannels and Ray Dannels. Irene worked in a restaurant for 9 years, as a clerk at Bennett"s Variety Store in Fredonia for 19 years, and for Mr. & Mrs. Ray Beard at Cox Motel for 17 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia. She was well known for piecing and sewing quilts and quilting quilts. Irene"s survivors include: One son and daughter-in-law: Jimmy W. and Jolene Smith of Fredonia, KS One daughter and son-in-law: Patty L. and Billy Blanck of Valley Falls, KS One daughter-in-law: Ila Smith of El Paso, TX Three grandchildren: Judy (Smith) Cortez and husband, Sam Debby (Blanck) Needham and husband, James Billy L. Blanck, Jr. and wife, Lisa Three great grandchildren: Billy L. Blanck III Levi R. Blanck Nicole (Cortez) Santiago and husband, Juan III Two great-great grandchildren: Juan Santiago IV and Sebastian Santiago One niece: Connie Dannels Two nephews: Robert Dannels and John Dannels Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the Fredonia City Cemetery with Mike Myers officiating. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Tuesday, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in Irene"s name with the Fredonia Flag Fund and donations may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.