"I'm so sorry Ken for the loss of your wonderful mother. She was so kind and full of knowledge. I will miss her so much. I didn't realize that she had passed away until today. She was always so positive and I will never forget her telling me to "make it a good day!". She was very inspirational. I am just glad that I was able to help her out in any small way."
In loving memory of
Mary Arline Smith
March 29, 1936 - October 9, 2014
Mary Arline Inks Smith, 78, of Coralville, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Mercy Hospice in Iowa City, Iowa. Mary Arline was born March 29, 1936 to Ralph and Kathryn Gleason Inks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Mechanicsville High School, Class Salutatorian in 1954. Mary Arline earned her Bachelor of Science at Iowa State University in 1959, served a two year internship at the University of Indiana. She spent 5 years in Chicago working as a Dietician at Edgewater Hospital and the Seeburg Corporation.
Arline served as the Director of Dining, East Campus at Duke University and then Director of Dining Services at Drake University for the next 29 years. After retiring from Drake, she continued her career, consulting with several care centers around Iowa officially retiring in 2008. An active member of the National Association of College and university Food Service, she was recognized for 50 years of dedicated service. She belonged to the Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville, Iowa and Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Mary Arline was a wonderful mother, admired as a determined woman and a friend who made you want to be a better person.
She is survived by her son Kenneth Smith, Tipton, Iowa, Sisters, Janet (Norman) Ford, Tipton, Janet(Pat) Stover, Ohio, Juanita (Bob) Grosz, Ohio, brother Wayne (Martha) Shilling of Ohio, her Aunt Florence (Gleason) Clark of San Diego, Sisters-in-Law Dottie Shilling and Patti Shilling both of Ohio, Grandchildren Selassie Sun Ricehill and Aislyn Sula Smith, a very special longtime Friend, JoAnn (Leo) Ahrendsen, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Inks, Kathryn Inks Shilling and Stepfather Alfred Shilling, brothers Charles "Doc" Shilling, John Shilling, Dick Shilling, William "Bill" Shilling and William Inks and Sister-in-law Donna Shilling.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa. Pastor David Lorenzen and Cousin Bob Gleason will be officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service followed by grave side services at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mechanicsville, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 14 at Fry's. A memorial has been established. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.fryfuneral home.com.
Tributes
"My heart goes out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Mary will be dearly missed. Though now you are grieving, please remember that you are not alone. Psalms 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress." Pray to Him for strength. Weep to Him when there are no words. Listen to what one of the poets of the Bible said at Psalms 56:8, "You keep track of my wandering. Do collect my tears in your skin bottle." You see, God understands your pain and He cares for you very much (1 Peter 5:7). And He will really help you get through this difficult time (Isaiah 41:10)."
"My family had the pleasure of knowing Mary Arline through our grandmother, JoAnn Pearson Ahrendsen. We are grateful to Mary Arline for being such a good friend to Grandma Jo, as well as being there for all of us through the years. She was a special person. Blessings to her family and friends."
"I remember Mary Arline because of her name...she always went by both names when I knew her...and I thought it was a beautiful name. Mary Arline was in the first Biology Class I taught in Mechanicsville. She was also the first student I had that sent me a note from college saying...."I just finish taking Biology here at Iowa State. It was one of my easiest classes because I had a good background." Who can ever forget the person who would send a note that gave joy as great as that to the receiver? Family...I am sure there are many who remember Mary Arlene with many smiles and much love."
" We enjoyed taking Mary to her Dr. appointments through RSVP. She was a very interesting person to talk to. Our condolence to her family. Roger & Carolyn Benge"
"I had the pleasure of knowing Mary after she moved to Heath Manor. She was a very lovely lady and we certainly will miss her. God Bless her family."
"Dear Ken, I was so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. Please know we'll keep you and your family in our hearts at this time. I'll be sure to tell Polly of this sad news. "
"I knew Arline as a member of the Iowa City Music Club. In fact, I was to pick her up for our meeting last Wednesday, and was so surprised to learn that she was in the hospital. She will be missed by many! Condolences to her family!"