FORT SMITH, Ark. — Iva Mae Smith passed from this life at age 74 on Oct. 15. She was born May 16, 1937, near Rush Center, to Calvin and Elma Kershner. She was a beautician and owned and operated her own salon for 20 years.

For 35 years she co-labored with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She served in churches, was past president of Western Kansas Women’s Aglow, was licensed to marry and conducted many funerals. She wrote a book, "Victory Over Grief," and a teaching syllabus, "Healing The Broken Hearted To Become Trees of Righteousness." For seventeen consecutive years she traveled to Roca Blanca, Mexico to teach and counsel with students at Victory Latin America Outreach Mission Base, founded by her brother, Pastor Duane Kershner. She was a teacher, mentor and counselor as well as spiritual mother to many. This was her life and passion.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Martin Smith; a granddaughter Jagan Smith and daughter-in-law Teresa Smith of Wister, Okla.; a sister, Betty Bishop of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and two brothers, Duane of Roca Blanca, Mexico, and Steve of Bowling Green, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Aryln; and two sons, Craig and Kyle.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Harvest Time Tabernacle, 3100 Briar Cliff Ave., Fort Smith, Ark. There will be a memorial service in Larned at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Assembly of God Church at 10th and Broadway. There will be a lunch following the service at Glory Be for any who wish to come. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Latin American Outreach, 421½ East 30th, Hutchinson, KS 67502. Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel, Fort Smith, Ark. To place online tribute go to www.lewisfuneralchapel.net.