In loving memory of Irene Doris (Smith) Gribble
We celebrate the life of Irene Doris (Smith) Gribble, age 88, of Lemmon SD. Born 23 February 1930 and passed away on November 22, 2018 in Billings MT. Parents were Frank Emil Smith and Della Julia Barone.
She is survived by:
Joyce I. Hutzenbiler (James), Marla J. Goodman, Micheal H. Davis (Cathy), Diana L. Gribble,
Tonye M. Truba, Loretta J. Delaney, Kelvin L. Gribble (Randee), Julie Whiteley (Dean),
Denise Wolford (Brian). She is blessed with 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Her brothers are John F. Smith, Melvin W. (Middy) Smith, and Frank E. Smith. Her sisters are Yvonne M. Smith and Fern E. Vonderheide. Brother Donald J. Smith passed away in 1980.
Irene spent her young life on a farm near Lemmon SD. She was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran church where she served in many capacities. She kept her scriptures close for inspiration and guidance. She loved our Lord and Savior with all her being.
She lived at various times in Miles City, Billings, and Colstrip MT. She loved to square dance and she was a seamstress and sewed her own dresses. Her cooking skills were honed by working at Della’s Café in Miles City, MT. It was at Della’s Café that she met Howard Lee Gribble (Butch), whom she married and loved for 18 years.
Irene was a member of the Billings Big Sky Optimist Club. She kept her mind, wit and humor active. Irene joined the Red Hat Society. She had hats of many colors but especially adored purple. Having her fingernails painted pretty colors was a matter of personal pride especially as her hands became stiff and gnarled by arthritis.
Irene was dealt several challenges in this mortal life, which with God’s help she overcame. We are grateful to her for teaching us how to be strong in the wake of adversity. May she rest in peace with Butch and the rest of her family.
Till we meet again… from all your loving children, family, friends and congregation.
The Memorial service will be at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Billings with the internment in Forsyth.
Terri Ryan says
Lori, our prayers go out to you & your family during these hard times. God Bless!
Duane & Sue Allred says
We always enjoyed a visit with Irene whenever we saw her, she always made time for that.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as it is always hard to lose a family member.
Judy Coles says
To my family with loving memories of my Aunt Irene. She was always so happy to see you when you visited her. What a beautiful smile. She spoke her mind and was willing to listen. May she rest in peace and have comfort she is now with the love of her life, uncle Butch. My regards and love to you all. Judy Coles, niece
MARILYN Boese says
LORI,
I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOM’S PASSING. THIS IS A HARD TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE EACH IN MY PRAYERS. GOD’S BLESSING ON EACH OF YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Irene Nelson says
I’m sorry I didn’t know Irene passed until after the funeral. I got to know her when she lived in Colstrip. We attended the Lutheran Church together. Irene was President and I was the secretary for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in eastern MT. She loved her Lord and mission work. She was a grand lady. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Alice Collins says
I’m so sorry to hear about Irene. I had met Irene and her sister Fern while square dancing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Fern and the family at this time of sorrow.