Leona Elaine (Smidt) SMITH

SMIDT, SMITH, ABBA, ABBAS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:57

March 21, 1927 ---- May 9, 2018

Leona E. (Smidt) Smith, 91, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. A memorial service for Leona Smith will be held Monday, May 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation for Leona Smith will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday.

Leona Elaine Smidt was born in Erin Township, Iowa, March 21, 1927, the oldest child of Ole and Cora (Abba) Smidt. Leona attended country school before graduating from Kanawha High School in 1944. Leona married Jack Smith a year later on August 21, 1945. Leona and Jack moved to the family farm outside of Wesley after marriage, where they were blessed with three boys: Gary, David, and Tom. Leona and Jack farmed together north of Wesley until they moved to Britt until 1958, where they were part owner of the Hutchins Elevator.

In 1961, Leona and Jack moved to California, where their fourth son, Mark, was born. While in California, Leona helped with home renovations, but mainly was busy being a homemaker and raising four boys. Leona and Jack lived in California for nearly 30 years before they made the decision to move back to Britt in the early 90’s. Upon returning to Britt, they owned and operated the Britt Motel. Leona and Jack were married for 64 years until Jack’s death in 2009.

Leona was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, where she had a love for God that could only be equaled by the love for her husband Jack and her four boys. Leona also had a love of robins. Being from Iowa, she knew that seeing a robin meant that spring was coming and that winter was almost over; spring was her favorite time of the year. Leona loved to socialize and enjoyed having people over for coffee and English muffins. Leona was never bashful about giving her opinion and whether you liked it or not, you always left her presence with a smile. Leona had a glow to her that made you feel comfortable, as she was always smiling and wanted you to have a good day. Leona had a love for baking and was known for always having fresh baked goodies around her house.

Leona is survived by her sons Gary and Dave of Mason City; a brother Lawrence (Shirley) Smidt of Britt; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack; two sons, Mark and Tom; a brother, Gene; a sister, Dorothy; and a brother-in-law, Jimmie.

http://www.ewingfh.com/obituaries/leona-e-smidt-smith/