IRENE SMALLEY, 89, formerly of Atlanta, Kansas, passed away this morning, July 9, 2009 at Riverview Manor in Oxford.

Born on April 23, 1920 in Woods County, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of John and Edna (Baker) Downen. She was raised and received her education in Woods County. Irene moved to Latham, Kansas at the age of 18.

She was united in marriage to Ray Smalley on September 10, 1940 in El Dorado, Kansas. The couple made their home in rural Latham where they farmed. They moved to Atlanta and Irene was employed at Beech Aircraft for two years and they later moved to Augusta. The couple returned to Atlanta where she worked as a clerk at Grow's Grocery Store and also served as a foster grandparent for three years. Irene retired in June of 1985. Mr. Smalley preceded her in death on August 10, 1985.

She was a member of the Atlanta Christian Church, now Cornerstone Christian Church. Her hobbies included her family, quilting and gardening.

Her family includes:
Her son: Wayne Ray Smalley and wife Renate' of Udall, KS;
Her sister: Belle Brumley of Tulsa, OK;
Her grandchildren: Chad Smalley and wife Marilee, Marsha Stout and husband John and
Nikki McCarthy and husband John;
Her great grandchildren: Jeremy, Derek and Noah Stout; and John Ed and Wendy Jo Cook and Sarah McCarthy;
Her great-great-granddaughter: Brylee Stout; and
Her extended family: Vickie, Dick, Teresa and Becky Holverson.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Roy Downen; and her sisters, Velma Powell, Joy Jennings and Norma Creed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the Cornerstone Church in Atlanta. Interment will follow at the Atlanta Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening from 5 to 9 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Irene's name for the Cornerstone Christian Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.