Obituary of Irene Smith

Irene Smith, age 99, of Macks Creek, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at her home in Macks Creek. She was born in Baldwin, Iowa on July 19th, 1912, the daughter of Edwin and Molly Lowe. Irene�s life was an interesting one as she had many varied interests. She graduated high school in 1931 from Chicago, Illinois. Her first job was selling coffee makers in a department store. She often told the story of her first experience selling coffee. Not being a coffee drinker herself, she followed the directions of the sales manager, and, when a crowd formed in the store, she began her sales pitch. She told the onlookers how wonderful the coffee tasted, (remember: she had never had coffee before) and how, in the morning, the smell of coffee could be enjoyed throughout the house. She opened the can, and �whoosh�, the pungent aroma of fresh coffee blasted her. She remembers feeling faint, and nearly passed out. Somehow, she finished the presentation, and quit the job that same afternoon. She attended business college and worked on the loop in Chicago. In the 1940�s Irene worked for the War Department where she was an advisor for The Request of Items Department. She married Raymond Little while in Chicago. Raymond was in the Merchant Marine so she asked to be transferred to California to be closer to her husband. There, she worked as a timekeeper and had many other office jobs. While in California they adopted their son David. Irene later suffered the loss of her husband Raymond, resulting in injuries suffered when his ship was torpedoed. On October 24, 1952 in Burbank, CA, Irene was united in marriage to Donald Smith. Donald and Irene were very active in the community. They served as Directors of the Tournament of Roses Parade for the City of Burbank, CA, for over 20 years. While in California, Irene became involved in many activities with the school and the Parent/Teachers Association. She worked as a cashier for the City of Burbank. She also managed an office for an Optometrist for several years. In 1974, Irene and her husband, Donald, moved to the Macks Creek area. She loved growing things at her home, both inside and out. She always had a beautiful yard with flowers everywhere. Survivor�s include; her son, David Michael Smith of California, one grandson, Daniel, one granddaughter, Andrea, two great nephews, Canyon & Brandon Yates , three great nieces, Shayla Koonce, Twyla Hicks, Fonda Cauthron, and many friends. Irene was preceded in death by one brother, Harold �Bud� Lowe, one sister, Ruth Blakeman, and her husband Don. Irene will be remembered for living a full life of adventures, being a Mother, gardening, spending time with friends, and being active in church.