Irene Smith was born in Hoyt, Kansas, on April 7, 1935, to Gale and Alice Kern. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 23, 2008 in Bakersfield. She moved to Shafter as a young girl and graduated from Shafter High Class of 1953. Irene continued her education and became a Registered Nurse earning her degree at Bakersfield, College. Irene enjoyed her many years of working in various convalescent hospitals in Kern County. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. Irene loved spending her time reading and going to the beach with family and friends. She also enjoyed going on vacation and visiting new places. Irene will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Irene is preceded in death by her parents Gale and Alice Kern. She is survived by her son, Bruce and wife, Donna of Bakersfield; daughter, Melonie and husband, Dan Shugart of Bakersfield; brothers, Vern and wife, Renda Kern of Shafter, and Gary and wife, Linda Kern of Bakersfield; 3 grandchildren, Carrie Smith, Russell Smith and Jaycee Shugart; and 2 great grandchildren, Presley Smith and Devin Palmer; and many other loving family members. A graveside funeral service under the direction of Peters Funeral Home will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 2pm, for Irene Smith, age 72, of Bakersfield, who passed away January 23, 2008, in Bakersfield. Please sign Irene's guest book at www.goldenvalleymemorialcare.com.