Lenore Neal

Lenore "Smitty" Neal 88, of Mount Vernon, died Monday, April 24, 2006 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, after a fall in her home. At her request her body was donated to the University of Iowa. Memorial Services are 2:00 p.m., May 5, 2005 at Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel, followed by a time for remembering and repast. The family will greet friends after 1:00 p.m. Survivors include two sons: Dave (Martha) of Davenport and Steve (Chris) of Mount Vernon; two daughters: Barb Hutchins of Marion and Peg (Butch) Howard of Longmont, Colorado, a brother Jack (Judy) Smith of Omaha, a sister-in-law Win (Bill) Thomas of North Carolina, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Preceding Smitty in death were her husband Bill of 67 years who passed away October 4, 2005, her parents; and a sister, Josephine. Harriot Lenore Smith was born September 13, 1917, the daughter of Fay and Helen Osler Smith in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She attended various elementary schools in Omaha, Saint Clara Academy in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, and Iowa State College. While at college, she met and married Bill Neal on April 29, 1938 in Adel, Iowa. Smitty spent her entire life caring for others. While raising their family, she worked with her husband to establish Neal's Water Conditioning in Mount Vernon in 1950. Through the years, she and Bill were "house parents" for over 100 different Cornell College men in the family home called, "Neal House, House of Gentlemen." She and Bill also established the first coin-operated laundry service in the basement of the Neal House. Smitty will be remembered for her loyalty and kindness to family and friends. She never had an unkind word to say of anyone. She and Bill enjoyed 25-years at their winter retreat in Lakeland, Florida. She loved music, playing the piano, playing bridge and cribbage, and keeping in touch with friends and family via the Internet. Her love and friendship will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Smitty's honor may be sent to the Mount Vernon Volunteer Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 125, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314.