Birdell “Birdie” Smith
Birdell “Birdie” Smith
Birdell “Birdie” Smith
December 16, 1923 – October 27, 2016
Ankeny (Oskaloosa), Iowa | Age 92
Birdell Taylor Smith, 92, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Oskaloosa, died Thursday, October 27, 2016, at the Mill Pond Retirement Center, Ankeny, Iowa.
Birdie led an interesting and variable life. She was a good wife to Ike, a loving Mom to Cres, Renee and Royal, a fun Grandma to Amber, Michelle, Monique, Julie and Andy and a thrilled great Grandma to Cayden and Lucy. Folks in Oskaloosa and New Sharon knew the humorous animal lover, who was ready for a good time and open for an adventure.
She was born December 16, 1923 in Troy, Montana. She was the 13th of 14 kids. Her challenges in life started as a toddler as she and all her siblings were taken to Orphanage by their mother. Although, the kids were all split up around the upper Northwest they worked hard to stay in contact. From a less than stellar step-home, she left home as a teenager and hitchhiked and worked around the country. Eventually in Chicago, while working at a munition plant during the WW II, she lost her thumb. Soon after, in Chicago, she met her first husband, Robert (Roney) Roenspiess. He was an Oskaloosa native, where they moved to begin their life. With first son Cres born in 1949, she became a young widow in early 1950 and gave birth to her daughter, Renee, later that same year. In typical Birdie fashion, she picked herself up and got on with life for her kids. Within a few years she met Ike Smith. They married on May 5, 1954. Ike became Dad to her kids. Ike and Birdie were avid outdoors people and lived just outside of town where they had multiple pets, horses and chickens. They enjoyed a cabin by the river as well and fun times with extended Smith family members. In 1961, they were thrilled when son Royal joined the brood.
Birdie rarely met an animal that did not become a pet. From Lu Lu the pit bull to Fang the crow to Rambo the turkey to Luther the monkey. Her big heart always gave each creature a chance. You just never knew who would be living in the house next! Her last animal friends were the geese at Mill Pond. Her room overlooked the beautiful pond and she enjoyed getting outside to feed them and they ate right out of her hand. They came running when they saw Birdie.
When grandkids started coming into her life in 1974 she came into her own. She was a fun grandma and gave the kids all types of interesting experiences. They all have great stories of what they did at Grandma and Grandpa’s house!
She was a loyal wife, assisting Ike through his illness with compassion. He died on October 29, 2007. She would be happy that she got the last word by living 2 days short of 9 years longer! Through the years, they faced many challenges as a couple, but together they stayed, and created a life on their own terms.
She is survived by her children: Creston Roenspiess of Antioch, California, Renee Ginder of Newton, IA, and Royal (& Joyce) Smith of Cambridge, IA; grandchildren: Amber (& Joel) Rand, Michelle Smith, Monique Smith, Julie (& Chris) Bitting and Andy Smith; great grandchildren, Cayden and Lucy Bitting; plus numerous nieces and nephews from all over the world.
Birdie has always led a private life, and as such, she has requested no public service will be conducted.
Her cremains will be buried at Friends Cemetery in Oskaloosa next to her husband, Ike Smith. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be in attendance at the time.
If you choose to send a memorial to the family, please do so as a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
The family extends thanks to the Mill Pond Retirement Center and Hospice of Central Iowa for their loving care.
