June Smitley

June Kern Smitley, 87, of Ridge Farm passed away on May 19, 2015. June was born on September 25, 1927 to the late Irvin H. Kern and Vella Verle McCallister Kern in Central Park (which is now known as Tilton, IL). June married Ernest (Jack) Smitley on January 1, 1948 in Georgetown, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack in 1977 and her daughter Christine Elayne Smitley Slade in 1982, as well as her young brother Don in 1935. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her son Duane E. Smitley of Sidell, her two grandchildren, Kara L. (Jim) Confer of Chicago and Jamie A. Slade of Chicago, her sister Betty Mae Greco of Merrillville, IN, as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews, one sister-in-law, Karen Smitley along with many dear friends. June attended Ridge Farm elementary and high schools, graduating in 1945. As a young mother, June taught the little ones Sunday school class and directed the children's choir at Ridge Farm United Methodist Church where she was a member for over 50 years. She also served as the church's Financial Secretary for over 20 years. She helped with the Merry Maid's 4-H Club, was a Boy Scout den mother and a member of the Ridge Farm Fireman's Auxiliary. When both her children were in school she started working at the Ridge Farm State Bank, later known as First Financial Bank, retiring in 1995 after 30 years. Not being content with retirement, she volunteered at the Elwood Township Carnegie Library, later becoming Assistant Librarian and finally retiring for good in 2003. She also volunteered at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville in Patient Information since 1988 and served as Treasurer of Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm since 1993. June enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking and baking, watching sports and working out at the YMCA (even into her 80s!). She was a very giving person who enjoyed volunteering and spending time with others. She especially loved and adored her two grandchildren, Kara and Jamie, whom she spent every other weekend with as they were growing up. They have always remained an important part of her life. A celebration of June's life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown, IL with Pastor George Desmond officiating. Visitation will be held 11am1-pm on Saturday prior to her service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm. In lieu of flowers, June has requested memorial contributions be made in her name to the Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm, IL. Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

Visitation May 23, 2015 Saturday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel 200 E. West Street Georgetown, IL 61846 Service May 23, 2015 Saturday, 1:00 PM Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel 200 E. West Street Georgetown, IL 61846 Final Resting Place Crown Hill Cemetery Cemetery Road Ridge Farm, IL 61870