Emily Irene Smithern, 84, passed away Decmeber 25, 2011. She was born July 17, 1927, the daughter of Edwin and Eva Leona Bartlett Riley in LaCyne, Kansas.

After graduating from high school in 1945, Irene began her career as a secretary which she practiced until her retirement. She married E. J. (Red) Chandler and they were parents of 2 children. E.J. passed away in 1969 and she later married Raymond Smithern who also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Esta Brown of Osawatomie, Kansas.

Irene was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxillary in Mound City, Kansas.

Irene moved to the Brighton area from Arkansas City, Kansas, in 1996. She was an active member of the Berean Baptist Church, Bolivar.

Irene is survived by a son, Greg A. Chandler and wife Ruth, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter Barbara Lingo and husband David of Brighton; a sister, Margaret Wilson of Mound City, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Kristi Hudgins and husband Scott, of Bogata, Colombia; Kelli Garms and husband Mark of Springfield,; Karri Joy Perry and husband Dave of Brighton; Jennifer Tucker and husband Jeremiah of Ketchikan, AK.; Timothy Chandler and wife Christa of Virginia Beach, VA.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar, with Scott Hudgins and Dave Perry officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 PM, Wednesday December 28, 2011 at Green Valley Cemetery, Osawatomie, Kansas. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.