Obituary of Della Smalls

Della Smalls, 95, a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and wintered in Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family at her bedside. She was born on January 24, 1921 in Fallsburg, NY to Nora and Luton Hitt. She married John Smalls who predeceased her in 1996. John and Della raised five children together. Della is survived by daughters: Shirley (George Hornbeck) of Monticello, Barbara (Ted Fontana) of Monticello, and Patsy (Bill Resnick) of Glen Wild; a son: Raymond of Aspen, Colorado. Her son Richard (Janet) of Monticello predeceased her last year. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Daniel, Margo, Ryan, Lilli, Madelyn Smalls, Josh Altman, Randy and Butch Resnick. Della, called "GG" by her 8 great grandchildren Wylie, Luka and Zala Smalls, Olivia and Chloe Altman, Mara, Jonathan and Madison Resnick, were the loves of her life. She has many nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved as well. In addition to her son Richard, she was predeceased by a sister: Irene Zamansky; and two brothers: Francis and Luther Hitt. Della loved her church and was a dedicated worker in many civic organizations, including the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. Her family and her home meant everything to her. She was a unique lady: elegant, warm, wise, witty, gracious, beautiful (inside and out), a wonderful story teller, a perfectionist, super cook and baker, and above all.....a wonderful wife and mother, grandma and GG. She was a classy lady to the end. Della will be missed by her family, friends and loyal caregivers: Arlene Cabrerra, Eva Hutchins, Becky Hack and Aldene Thompson. Visitation will held on Thursday, September 24 from 2:30 to 5:30pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. A Prayerful Reflection will be held at 5pm at the funeral home. Interment of her ashes will be held privately at the Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The United Methodist Church of Monticello, 445 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com