Verna Eleanor Wirtz Smith, 102 of Keokuk died Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Montrose Health Center in Montrose, IA. She was born July 21, 1914 the daughter of Chris and Clara Miller Wirtz. Verna and her siblings attended Hickory Grove in rural Keokuk and graduated from Keokuk High School. Verna was the recipient of the BPW award upon her graduation plus tied her cousin, Dorothy Wirtz for high honors. On July 22, 1945 she was united in marriage to Edward Lantz Smith. They later divorced in 1970. Verna loved to play games of all kinds including pitch, bridge, pinochle, canasta, games of all kinds and Bingo. She was a big supporter of Keokuk High School and Cardinal Stritch Bingo. She was a big supporter of Keokuk Schools and ran concession stands for them for fifteen years. She was PTA president when her daughter was in Jefferson school. She loved visiting the casino boat while it was in Keokuk. Verna had been employed as a secretary for several area businesses, including the Keokuk Coal Company, Dr. Veith, and personal secretary for Henry Huiskamp and several different lawyers. She was very accomplished at typing and short hand. While in high school, she won the State typing contest in Des Moines, IA. She also sold Mason Shoes for years and held many shoe parties. Verna was always happy to be around family and enjoyed playing games and preparing food for them. She was a prominent member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk. She loved her grandchildren and will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Her family has been blessed to have had her in their lives for so many years. Verna is survived by one daughter, Patricia Lynn Rhea (Ned) of Keokuk, four grandchildren, Joel Lyn Rhea, Torrantz Sigler Rhea (Chas), Holly Claire Rhea, Melissa Lynn Rhea and nine great-grandchildren, Beau Paris, Alex Paris, McKenzie Paris, Joseph Root, Ethan Rhea, Tori Rhea, Kirsten McClain, Yazmin Rhea and Tatyana Rhea, four great-great-grandchildren, Easton Alger, Lane Alger, Riley Alger and Mason Paris. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Moore, Mabel Boone, and Marian Linnenburger and one brother, Arthur Wirtz. A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 14, 2016 at the Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk with Reverend Milo Van Veldhuizen officiating.