BATESVILLE, Ark. — Darlene "Dolly" Smith, 93, of Batesville, Ark. died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.

She was born Saturday, Oct. 17, 1925 in Maytown, Illinois to Arthur J. and Ella (Clopine) Kessel.

Darlene loved to cook and bake so much that she published her own cook book filled with family recipes, many of which she would make for friends and family during the holidays. She was always a good mother who loved her family dearly and spent much time with her granddaughter who gave Dolly the nickname Gacky. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Foxy Ladies of the White River, and was a very social person who enjoyed hosting parties, entertaining, and dancing.

She is survived by two daughters, Janet Smith (Doug Lee), of Batesville, Pamela Milton (William), of Richmond, Texas; one sister-in-law, Kathy Kessel, of Amboy; one grandchild, Caroline Rose Milton, of Auburn, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Smith; one son, Mark Smith; two brothers, Donald and Emil Kessel; and one sister, Henrietta Friel.

Pallbearers will be Jake Dauck, Dave Delhotal, Brad Kessel, Dennis Kessel, Don Noble, and John Schamberger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends, Mitzi Hargan, Sarah Sexton, Zona Yancey, and the caretakers at Woodlawn Nursing Home.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy with Pastor Barb Otton officiating. Burial will take place at Prairie Repose Cemetery in Amboy.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Independence County Humane Society at 5 Environmental Dr. Batesville, Ar. 72501 or the Church of your choice.

Local arrangements by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy.

Condolences may be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com.