Smiley, Edith F. 1886-1962

SMILEY, OSBORN, OBRIEN, SIEBERT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 7/25/2012 at 07:40:39

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; March 1, 1962

MRS. EDITH SMILEY DIES SUDDENLY IN CALIFORNIA TUESDAY

Mrs. Edith F. Smilely, 75, of Grinnell, widow of Wilford S. Smiley, died suddenly Tuesday evening at the home of her daughter, in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., where she had been visiting since November.

Funeral arrangements are pending here. Friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home.

She was the daughter of George F. and Barbara Osborn O'Brien and was born in Iowa City on Oct. 11, 1886. She attended the Iowa City public schools and graduated with a B.A. degree from the University of Iowa with the class of 1907. Then she taught school for a time at Iowa City and Waukee.

On Aug. 4, 1915, at Iowa City, she was united in marriage with Wilford S. Smiley, by the Rev. Sylvester Ellis. To this union were born three children--Dr. George W. Smiley of Ottumwa, Francis W. Smiley of Lake Bluff, Ill., and Mrs. Lloyd (Barbara) Siebert of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Her husband served as a school superintendent for several years and then the family moved to Grinnell to educate the children at Grinnell College. Mr. Smiley was an organizer of the Grinnell Federal Savings and Loan Association, and served as its first secretary. In 1936 he was appointed postmaster here and served until retirement in 1951. He preceded his wife in death April 23, 1960.

Mrs. Smiley was a member of the Tuesday Club, Grinnell Woman's Club, and the League of Women Voters. Also, she was an active member of the Congregational church, serving in many of its organizations. She had made her home at the Mayflower Home here since 1959.

Survivors include her three children and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother.