Eleanor Smith

Eleanor Rose Smith (Kahler), 89 of Ankeny, Iowa passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Azri Health in Winterset, Iowa. She was born Sunday, June 10, 1934 in Brunswick, Missouri. She was the daughter of the late Wallace Kahler and the late Goldie (Tietjens) Kahler. Eleanor was the second oldest of nine children, instilling the value of a close and loving family. She attended school in Brunswick and after high school took some college nursing classes. Eleanor married Hal Smith Sr. on September 16, 1975 and they blended their families. She had a long and prosperous career for the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health for over 25 years. After retirement, they bought a cabin on Lake of the Ozarks where they enjoyed fishing, boating, and visits from family. Eleanor was a wonderful cook and her desserts were the best! She made delicious pecan brittle, divinity, and bread pudding. They had large fish fries and enjoyed the fellowship of friends and family. She loved to crochet and her fingers were never idle. It was not uncommon for her to have multiple afghans going at the same time. Family and friends loved to receive new afghans as gifts. She made many afghans and donated them to nursing homes and Hope Ministries. Her absence will leave a void and she will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish her legacy are one son, Richard Iglehart (Steven Schroeder) of Cumming, GA; daughter-in-law, Deb Iglehart of Ankeny, IA; one step son, Hal Smith Jr. of Slater, MO; two step daughters, Anna Gibbons of Kansas City, MO, Linda Hager of Independence, MO; three brothers, Jim (Ervina) Kahler of Raymore, MO, Mike (Dawn) Kahler of Lake St. Louis, MO and Kenny (Shelly) Kahler; one sister, Shirley Hickerson of Brunswick, MO; 8 grandchildren Josh (Desirae) Iglehart of Winterset, IA; Stacy (Jason) Baker of Slater, IA; Jake (Tori) Clements of Miami, MO; Lacey (Lou) Kaser of Platte City, MO; Halen (Mandy) Smith of Gilliam, MO; Britt Smith of Sedelia, MO; Angie (Landon) Collis of Overland Park, KS; Kindal (Joe) Carney of St. Charles, IL and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Smith Sr.; one son, Charles "Denny" Iglehart; one step son, Rocky Smith; and four brothers, George Kahler, David Kahler, Danny Kahler and Glennis Kahler. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Mike Kahler officiating. Interment will be in the City Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Casket bearers: Josh Iglehart, Justyce Iglehart, Jered Iglehart, Jason Baker, Kaeden Wharton, Kashden Baker. A social gathering will follow after the burial at the Park & Rec. Building located at 801 W. 29th St. in Higginsville. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hope Ministries www.hopeiowa.org or St. Joseph's Indian School www.stjo.org

Eleanor Smith

June 10, 1934 - January 8, 2024