Iona Ree (Rife) Smith

Iona Ree Smith, 85, of Rossville, passed away at 3:07 a.m., Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, in Danville.

Mrs. Smith was born on February 16, 1932, in Alvin, the daughter of Willie E. and Grace (Clawson) Rife.  She married Herbert A. Smith Jr. on December 31, 1950, in Rossville.  He preceded her in death on August 1, 1993.

She is survived by one daughter- Christine Burke of Rossville; three sons- Mark Smith of Gilberts, Illinois, David Smith of Rossville and Brian (Jill) Smith of Rossville; nine grandchildren- Chris (Elena) Smith, Casey (Emily Baggett) Smith, Jessie (Andy) Atchie, Billy (Jess) Burke, Jeremiah Smith, Adam (Mindy Stenger) Daugherty, Nick (Jessica) Daugherty, Israel (Karen) Smith and Shane Smith; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law- Louise Barragree of Rossville and Ina Rife Griffin of Crescent City, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father- Willie Rife, mother Grace Parrish, step-father- Larry Parrish and brother- Floyd Rife.

Iona graduated from Rossville High School, in 1950.  She worked as an hostess at Hubbard Trail Country Club and Mr. L’s.  She later worked at Joan of Arc Credit Union for several years, until her retirement.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed reading and doing word search puzzles.  Her greatest enjoyment was taking care of her family.  She was always helping people and her door was always open, with a meal on the table.

A Celebration of Iona’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018, at Blurton Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Davis officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Following the services she will be cremated and will be laid to rest at a later date in Rossville Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Danville Dialysis Foundation 910 W. Clay St. Danville, IL.  61832.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Iona’s life.  Memories or condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

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