Irene Smith

Irene E. Smith, 83, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 17, 2015. Irene was born October 1, 1931 on a farm west of Neosho Falls, Kansas, the daughter of Ira and Gertrude (Harrison) Hepler. She loved to learn and read, so right after high school she enrolled in Pittsburg State Teacher's College so she could begin her teaching career. She continued summer school each year and graduated with a full Masters teaching degree. Her 59 year teaching career started in a one room school south of Moran, Kansas and included Zillah Elementary east of Humboldt, two schools in Iola, Yates Center, Gas City, LaHarpe and Moran. After retiring, she worked as a bus monitor to continue helping kids. While attending college in Pittsburg, Irene met and later married Jack H. Smith on August 1, 1954. He preceded her in death November 22, 1996. Irene was a big part of the Special Olympics and helped out at all southeast Kansas events for over 40 years, being awarded "Coach of the Year" in 2014. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Allen County Hospital Auxiliary and several women's groups. Irene loved to garden and sell her produce at the Farmer's Market on the Iola Square. SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters: Kathy Reffke & husband, Glen of Natchitoches, LA, and Wilma Stone & husband, Floyd of Wichita, KS 2 Grandsons: Justin & Hollis Low both of Wichita, KS 2 Brothers: Ernest Hepler & wife, Dorothy of Clearwater, FL and Wayne Hepler & wife, Berta of Jefferson City, MO 1 Sister: Wilma Wooden of Rosemount, MN She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Smith, father Ira Hepler, mother Gertrude Hepler and step-mother Eva Hepler. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2015, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS MEMORIAL: Calvary United Methodist Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .