Judith “Judy” Smith

SMITH, HOWE, DENNIS, MCLAUGHLIN

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/6/2026 at 06:33:04

Judith “Judy” Smith, 85, longtime Coralville resident, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Judy’s life from 1 PM to 4 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Lensing Oak Hill Funeral Service in Coralville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Systems Unlimited, Inc. at www.sui.org

Judy was born on September 27, 1940 in Iowa City, the daughter of Professor Joseph W. and Lucille (Dennis) Howe. Judy was a proud graduate of University High School, “U-High”, in Iowa City before attending ay the University of Arizona.

On January 28, 1961 Judy married Laurence “Larry” McLaughlin Smith.

Judy was very involved in the Coralville and Iowa City community. Upon moving back to her hometown in the early 80s she and Larry took over ownership and management of a Coralville landmark, The Blue Top Motel. Judy’s welcoming demeanor spawned hundreds of personal relationships with people from all walks of life. Many of those relationships lasted until the day she died. She and Larry were invested in the University of Iowa Athletics Department where they formed family-style connections with generations of student-athletes.

Judy, an Iowa Hawkeye fan and supporter of the greatest magnitude, is survived by her sons, Kevin (Cynthia) Smith of Phoenix, Arizona and Nile (Lisa) Smith of Evergreen, Colorado; and grandsons, Derek, Connor, Tristan, Owen, and Wyatt.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband and their son Stephen; and her brother, Joseph D. Howe.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

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