Rosemary Irene Smith

Rosemary Irene Smith, 84, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully at Baptist Hospital on August 18, 2010. In her final days, she was surrounded by her loving family, including her husband, Charlie, her daughter, Peggy, and her two granddaughters, Kristi and Carrie. She was born July 7, 1926, to the late Edward and Hazel Hogshead. To know Irene is to love her. She spent her life giving her family unconditional love. Irene was a devoted wife to her husband, Charlie, for 66 years. Charlie and Irene were "a pair" and did everything together. They traveled to each of the 50 states and Canada. They loved to cheer on the Razorbacks and never missed a game. Irene was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Peggy, and a loving grandmother to her two granddaughters, Kristi and Carrie. Irene worked for 42 years at Wonder Bakery in Little Rock, retiring in 1986. She spent her post-retirement years helping others, including visiting the elderly in nursing homes. She wrote poetry about her travels, her family, friends and God. She devoted her life to God and serving Him. Her faithfulness in God grew in her involvement in her church, Oak Park Baptist, and in the strength He has given her in all the trials of her life. Irene's sweet spirit touched all of us and we will cherish her with all our hearts. Irene is survived by her husband, Charles Smith; her daughter, Peggy Gray and husband Bill Gray; her sister, Ann Ridings; two granddaughters, Kristi Gray and Carrie Burke; five great-grandchildren, Isabella, Johnny, Carley, Jacob and Kayla, who brought joy to her life; and many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her twin brother, Fred Hogshead. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 20, 2010 at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 21, 2010, 10 a.m., at Oak Park Baptist Church, 8200 Flintridge Rd., Little Rock. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Austin, Ark. Online guestbook www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.