Lois Smith

Ethel Lois Smith, loving mom and grandma, went to heaven November 27, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. She was admitted to Central Iowa Health Care Wednesday morning, November 25, 2015. Lois, as she was better known her whole life, was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on April 4, 1920. She was the daughter of Mary and William Mace. She was raised in the Van Cleve area and attended Van Cleve Consolidated School, graduating in 1937. She had one sister, Stella Gradwell. Lois married the love of her life, Carroll Smith on August 20, 1941, his birthday, in St Johns Church at Haverhill, Iowa. The couple farmed the family farm from 1941until 1983. In 1990 they moved to Marshalltown. Carroll was in Grandveiw Heights the last couple of years of his life and Lois faithfully helped care for him there with her daily visits. Their marriage lasted 68 loving years. Lois long life allowed her to pursue many interest including china painting and quilting over one hundred quilts. She loved to cook and bake pies. She made the best crust ever and hosted many holiday meals for family and other guests. Because of these skills, she judged 4-H projects for several years. Her love of the creatures of nature was evident in her love of animals and their love of her. She had a green thumb and enjoyed a big garden on the farm doing much canning and freezing. She also loved her flowers and bird watching. Being a T-R correspondent for many years allowed her to use her love of writing as well as keeping a personal daily journal for most of her married life. She and Carroll hosted several foreign exchange students and were able to travel abroad to visit the students families. The couple traveled extensively in the United States and spent several winters in El Mirage, Arizona. Lois was very active in her church and worked at many rummage sales even into her 90s. Lois went to live at Grandveiw Heights on December 8, 2014. She had enjoyed doing volunteer work there and continued helping out while residing there. Lois is survived by her daughter, Marjorie (Robert) Grimes of Marshalltown, Iowa, Stanley (Barbara) Smith of Worland, Wyoming, also, 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and several nieces and a nephew. Preceding her in death are her husband, Carroll, son Lynn Smith, grandson, Mark Smith and a sister, Stella Gradwell. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of her life will be held December 3, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Kim Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Cemetery. For condolences or questions please visit: www.mitchellfh.com . Memorials may be directed to her church or the charity of your choice. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Lois and her family. Phone 641-844-1234.