Alene Rose Whitaker

Alene Rose Whitaker, 74, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband, Mirl W. Whitaker; daughter, Mary Smaltz (fiance Jeff Blevins); son, Richard Smaltz (wife Rebecca); brother, Russell Baker; step-sons, Alan (wife Kathy); Stuart; and Brad (wife Maureen Sullivan); five grandchildren and many cherished step and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Neal and Ruby Baker and brother, Robert Baker. Alene graduated from Ohio Wesleyan College and retired from the state of Missouri, Insurance Department as a Market Conduct Examiner earning CIE, AFE and FLMI professional designations.  She served two years in the Peace Corp in Yemen and was an active volunteer with the Red Cross. She kept plots at the Community Gardens at the Springfield Fairgrounds and made contributions to St. John's Breadline. Alene was an inspiration for all those who knew her for her love of travel, sense of adventure and high moral character. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church  on Koke Mill Road, Springfield, Ill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.(www.boardman-smith.net).