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Obituary for Irma Lee Smentek
Our “Yellow Rose of Texas”
Irma Lee (Wilson) Smentek was born in Ozona, Texas on December 2, 1922, the youngest, and feistiest of 3 children, to Lee and Mary Wilson. She was previously married, in 1942, to Navy Lt. Leroy McElroy, and they had a son named George Lee McElroy. Lt. McElroy died in 1943, piloting a PBY flying boat while on submarine patrol, in the Aleutian Islands.
Following that tragedy, Irma Lee and George moved back to San Angelo, Texas, to live with her Mother, Mary Wilson. After several rough years, she met a handsome Army Air Corps Cadet, named Bill, on a blind date. They dated 3 months, when Bill could get a weekend pass, and were married in July, 1945, (which most friends and relatives said would never last! ). They were married for 74 years.
Bill says Irma Lee was a good sport. They moved over 20 places, and she learned about the local history and fun things to do with her family. They traveled the USA, and lived in Alaska and Hawaii before they were states. While traveling the World they even snorkeled in the Red Sea!
The family lived in Vacaville from 1957 to 1964, and their boys attended local schools there, while Bill was stationed at Travis AFB.
They enjoyed over 30 years in their spectacular, Hill Country, lakeside home located on Lake LBJ in Highland Haven, Texas.
Bill and Irma Lee have 4 sons: George Lee McElroy (wife, Jody, dec.) of Cave Junction, OR, Steve Smentek (wife, Lisa) of Plano, TX, Glenn Smentek (wife, Christine) of Dixon, CA, and Bruce Smentek (wife, Patti) of Burbank, CA. Their Grandchildren are Leroy McElroy, (dec.),Sandy Lee Jackson, Chantel Incaudo, Nichole Cortese, Ashley Smentek, Samantha Hindmarch, Tyler Smentek, Erik Smentek, Cory Smentek, Travis Smentek, Bridgette Conlin and Theron Smentek. They have 20 great-grandchildren.
Irma Lee's greatest love was her husband Bill. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren immeasurably. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her.
There will not be another Irma Lee. She was an angel on Earth and is now in Heaven waiting for us, "Lord Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise."
Funeral service will be held promptly at 10:30am, Friday, September 13, 2019 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620.
A "Family & Friends Gathering" will be held from 4-8 pm, Friday, September 13, at Rawlinson's Hall, Paradise Valley Estates, 2350 Estates Drive 94533. Please bring pictures and personal stories involving Mama.
