Ida Smiles

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ida Mae Smiles, Neosho, MO passed away peacefully at her home on December 24, 2020 at the age of 91 years, nine months, and fourteen days. She was born March 10, 1929 in Stark City, MO to Letha (Rogers) and Douglas Wright. 

Ida was a lifelong resident of the Neosho area. She had worked for the Neosho School District for fourteen years, then two years at Niscinger Uniform, and volunteered with the Newton County Historical Society for seventeen years, retiring in 2018. 

Ida was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Neosho, the Neosho Area Widow to Widow Group, and Weight Watchers. She also volunteered at Neosho Freeman Hospital Auxiliary and enjoyed playing BINGO. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Ida enjoyed her roles as Mother of the Second Baptist Church and coordinator of Black History Month for the Newton County Historical Society. 

Ida married John Henry Smiles and he preceded her in death. 

 She is survived by six children: Bobby Smiles and wife, Bonnie, Paul Smiles & Mary Hembree, Jackie Clark and husband, James, Dennis Smiles and wife, Deborah, Lionel Smiles, and Sherrilynn Westfield and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Ida was preceded in death by one daughter, Janice Blanchard; two sons-in-law, Tony Westfield and Gene Blanchard; one brother, Lewis Wright; and four sisters, Dorothy Brock, Francis Gage, Mary Ligon, and Mabel Sparks.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Neosho. Pastor Larry C. Anderson will officiate. Interment will follow at Newtonia Cemetery, Newtonia, MO. The family will have a time of visitation at Clark Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29 from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. 

 Contributions in honor of Ida may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.