ROBERTA ILIENE “DIDDY” SMITH

Iliene was born on August 25, 1937 in Wheeling, WV. She was the daughter of the late Charles L. and Maggie Adaline (Minnis) Cole.

Iliene spent many dedicated years working in the painting department at Crescent Glass Company in Wellsburg before taking on a new role at Stella’s Goody House, where she was not only a waitress and cook, but truly did it all. She will be fondly remembered for her boundless energy and love of life–always on the go with the ladies for Friday night bowling at Brooke Lanes, in addition to the Card and Bunco Club nights.

Everything changed when the grandchildren came along. Iliene and her beloved husband, Danny, were their biggest fans–cheering loudly from the sidelines, whether at local games or traveling far to support them. She was truly the #1 “Diddy.”

Saturdays often found Iliene and Danny together at the Elks, and Sundays were spent in fellowship at Wellsburg Christian Church. Her life was filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to her family, friends, and community.

In addition to her parents, Iliene was preceded in the death by her husband, Daniel “Danny” R. Smith, after 65 years of marriage, two children, Bridgette Jo (Smith) Skiba and Dominic “Nick” Smith , a grandson, Daniel Thomas, infant granddaughter, Maggie Ann Hinchee, siblings, Eleanor Ray Cole, Evelyn Marguerite Cole, Donald Cole Sr., Charles Cole and Margaret, Alice Mae Walker and Dale Sr. and Thomas Cole, sister-in-law, Victoria “Sis” and Gene Mercer.

Iliene is survived by her daughter, DeeAnn Schwertfeger and her husband, Mark of Follansbee, WV, a son-in-law, Robert Skiba of Colliers, WV, four grandchildren, Jesse DiBattista and her husband, Nick, Jake Schwertfeger and fiance, Kaylie Molanick and Rick and Rob Thomas, great grandchildren, Harper and Luca, DiBattista, a sister-in-law, Regina Cole and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 5:00 PM until time of Funeral Service at 7:00 PM James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304)527-1717 with Chaplain Jon Hudnall, officiating.

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