Obituary of Reneé Jean Smithers

Age 61, passed away at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Reneé was born in Towanda PA, a daughter of the late David and Echo Elaine Westfall Denniston. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Richard and Teresa Smithers, and brother-in-law Stephen “Smitty” Smithers. Reneé is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Daniel Smithers;  siblings and their spouses, Craig (Nancy) Denniston, and Kari (Randy) Eckenrode; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michael (Patricia) Smithers, Cheryl (Stephen) Janeski, David (Mary) Smithers, and Nodja Coolbaugh; beloved dog Ookami; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.

Reneé started her career as an x-ray technician and worked at numerous hospitals in the area,  retiring from the Bath VA Medical Center as an echocardiographer. A physical fitness enthusiast Reneé was an avid runner, running in many local 5K’s and was most proud of finishing the Corning Wineglass Half Marathon. Reneé was a very active member of NYS&F. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. Reneé’s family will provide their own flowers. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Reneé’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or to a charity of one’s choice.