Irene Florence Smith (McNeil Chetwood) was born in Washington, said to be Kalama (by Irene), but not verified.

Parents:
George Lionel Smith
Pearly May Usher Smith

Siblings:
Josephine Smith
Leonard Smith
Mildred Smith
Walter Smith
Charley Smith
Bennie Smith

Irene would tell of her life in Kalama, Bandon, Eastern Oregon (Half-way), and Pleasant Hill. Remembered as a dear soul, Irene's early life was hard, with much heartache, even so, it did not seem to shake her resolve in finding true happiness. She found this with her second marriage (Raymond Chetwood) relating that he treated her like a queen and she was the happiest she had ever been in her life. This couple enjoyed many years together and 2 beautiful children, Bonnie Lee and LaVelle Irene (twins), born in 1943.

Later, after her husband passed away, Irene lived out her life in Springfield, Oregon, surrounded by spring blossoms and summer flowers, certainly, a reflection of her own inner beauty and gentleness. Irene is beloved as a wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend, her presence is missed by many.

Married to Brinton Wallace McNeil
Lane County, Oregon
April 21, 1928

Irene and Brinton were married at the offices of Wells & Wells, located in the Bank of Commerce Building (address unknown) located in downtown Eugene Oregon. They were married by Justice of the Peace Harold J. Wells.

Divorced:
October 16, 1939

Brinton (Bob) Wallace McNeil Jr. (born 1929)

Patty (died at birth 1938)
buried at Springfield, Oregon

*Betty Jane (Bonnie?) McNeil (born 1931)
*Janet Ann McNeil Blackman (born 1932)
*Janice Nan McNeil Blackman (born 1932)
*Betty Doreen McNeil Oakland (born 1933)
*Kenneth McNeil (1934- died before adulthood)

Note: Janet Ann and Janet Nan were twins.
Patty, Betty Jane, and Kenneth are not clearly defined.

Grandchildren:

Randall Douglas Reynolds
Roy Anthony Reynolds

Dusty Forrest Rhodes
Ross Rhodes

Kandi Kay Yeoman
Jeri Ann Yeoman

Karen McNeil Martin
Kathy McNeil Vigil
Kenneth Lowell McNeil
Keith Lee McNeil

Raylene
Dan (Danny)
Cindy (deceased)
Candy
Dawn

Debra (Debbie)
Carri
David
April

(other grandchildren not notated at this time)

*Notates bloodline actual descendants of Brinton Wallace and Irene McNeil, this in spite of the fact these children were adopted out to other families. Many children, during the depression, were not raised by their own families. These children were never forgotten by their blood parents.

This adoption was very unusual. After the girls were adopted by the Blackmans, and the Oaklands, Irene was allowed to participate and was invited to all the girls' important events, like birthdays, etc. This from the time they were little. Mrs. Blackman, especially, made sure that Irene was never excluded from Janet Ann and Janice Nan's lives. The girls were not told who this stranger was (always invited to family gatherings), except, that she was a friend of the family. At 18 years old, Betty, Janice and Janet were told that this lady was actually their real mother. Even though the girls were well-adjusted to their adopted families they also (especially Janet Ann) were close and interacted with their real mother in her life. These adoptions were not typical, but prove how very much Irene thought of these early children, and although they were put up for adoption by her husband and a local doctor, and circumstances were beyond her control, she still loved them and they were a part of her heart forever. The adoptive mothers proved most gracious as well. Irene told me she was always grateful that she was able to be a part of their lives as a mother never forgets her children. (The other parents kept Irene apprised of her other children's lives too.)