Smith, Winetta Irene 1912 - 2006

SMITH, LOCKE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/21/2011 at 19:35:31

Le Mars, Iowa – Winetta Irene Smith, 94, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Village in Le Mars. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2006 at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars. Rev. Drew Tomberlin will officiate. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Rosehill Cemetery in Parker, South Dakota. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday at the church and will continue until service time.

The daughter of Elmer and LuWellie Locke, Winetta Irene was born at Parker, SD on May 3, 1912. She attended grade school and high school at Parker, graduating in 1930. Winetta was united in marriage to Reuben Smith on March 14, 1936 at Parker, SD. She was a telephone operator for 25 years and was also employed by Jean and Floyd Blakely at the Flower House in Le Mars. She lived in Parker, SD, and in Iowa at Kingsley, Little Rock, George and Le Mars. Winetta believed that Jesus Christ was her personal Savior. Psalm 121, which she sang in choir under the direction of her Mother, was very important to her. She was a member of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ, Le Mars. Because of her love for the Lord, she was active in her younger years as president of Ladies Aid, Sunday School Superintendent and a Sunday School Teacher. She directed church Christmas programs and created many costumes. She was also a member of the Federated Women’s Club. Left to celebrate her life and treasure her memory are her two sons and daughter, Emory Smith and Norma of Manteca, CA, Stuart Smith and Colleen (Nipp) of Cherokee, IA, and Sheilah Stinton and Lyle of Le Mars, IA; her beloved grandchildren, Shawn Smith, Shannon Smith, Matthew Smith, Michael and Carrie Smith, Stacia Smith, Curtis and Mary Puetz, Crisinda Puetz, Toni Stinton, Doug and Autumn Stinton, and Karen Stinton; and her precious great-grandchildren Joshua Smith, Maia Smith, Shea Smith and Reuben Smith. Her family circle also holds a brother-in-law Harris (Tony) Smith of Groveland, CA and many nieces, nephews and families. In death she has rejoined her beloved husband Reuben of over 66 years, her brother and his wife, Myron and Thalia Locke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alvin and Esther Smith, Leona and Art Jones, Esther and Harry Seils, Frederick and Viola Smith, and Jessie and Otto Anderson. Winetta’s long, life consisted of her involvement as a daughter, a sister, a wife to Reuben, mother, grandmother and friend. She and her husband always followed and supported their children and grand-children's activities. They had many “adopted by love” children and families. Some of her best known credentials were as a seamstress, flower arranger, candle maker, Christmas sugar cookie decorator, knitting, crocheting, and creative May baskets. She loved spending time on her stamp collection and genealogy records. One of her greatest gifts was sending correspondence remembering birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. The family thanks those who not only cared, but believed in Winetta, especially during her last years. She was often called “a trooper, a sweet lady with such beautiful facial expressions” who worked her way back from many obstacles. Her perseverance and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Mauer Johnson Earnest Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa