Iona Dale Herrick

Iona Dale Herrick, 87, of Garden Ridge, TX, formerly of Durant, OK, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at Northeast Baptist Hospital, San Antonio, TX.

Born Sep. 6, 1920, in Caddo, OK, she was the daughter of the late Thomas F. and Cleo Phelps Smith. After graduating from high school, she completed Business College in Dallas, TX. and accepted a job with the U.S. Army at Camp Hulen, Palacios, TX, where she met her future husband.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Colonel Louis E. Herrick, USAF; a brother, George H. Smith, son, Lt Colonel Emery L. Herrick, USA; and a granddaughter Kristen Dale Walker.

Mrs. Herrick was a devoted member of the Social Order of the Beauceant for over 59 years, in which she served as President of two local assemblies: Stillwater Assembly No. 124, OK, in 1950 and San Antonio Assembly No. 159, TX, in 1991. Her loyalty to the Order extended beyond the local level when she was elected to its highest position, Supreme Worthy President. In this capacity she traveled throughout the United States visiting every assembly in 1991-1992; it was during this time that her kindness and love for the Order and its members created abiding friendships that spanned the rest of her life.

Mrs. Herrick was a devoted member of Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a charter member of the Alamo Heroes Chapter. As a District Representative for the DRT she served as the Library Committee Chairman of the DRT Alamo Library, which she loved dearly from 1995 to 2003. Mrs. Herrick was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her sister Anita Hamrick, her daughters Cleo E. Stiren and Martha A. Miller and her son Richard. In addition Mrs. Herrick leaves behind her grandchildren Nicole A. Stiren, Nicholas R. Stiren, Michelle L. Stiren, Kathryn Sasaki, Christopher Miller, Sarah Herrick, Emily Murphy and Christine Herrick; as well as several great grandchildren.