Iola Smith
October 20, 1918 ~ May 3, 2012
Iola Mae Smith, 93, of Highmore, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Highmore Health in Highmore, SD.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiating. Burial followed at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation was held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Iola was born October 20, 1918 to Charles and Altha (Forrell) Crane on the family farm in Lyman County, South Dakota. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated in 1936 from Chamberlain High School. On October 3, 1936, she married Glenn A. Smith in Alexandria, South Dakota. To this union, six children were born.
Following their marriage, they entered into a partnership with Roscoe Feltman in the Shell gas station at Chamberlain. In 1938, Iola and Glenn went into farming. In October of 1951, they moved to the Herman Geppert Ranch, north of Ft. Thompson. During this time, Iola served as the postal assistant at the Ft. Thompson and Stephan Mission post office. Iola and Glenn retired in December of 1988, and moved into Highmore.
Iola enjoyed playing cards, dancing, was an excellent patcher, going on drives and visits with Glenn and having coffee with friends. She especially enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to play “Kings Corner” and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Iola’s family was her pride and joy.
She is survived by one daughter, Janice Bairey of Nevada, Iowa; four sons: Vernell "Mick" (Peggy) Smith of Highmore, Lowell “Skeet” Smith of Holabird, Rodney (Joyce) Smith of Chester and Lonnie (Laurie) Smith of Highmore; one sister, Ruby Beyer of Butte, MT; 27 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Glenn; son, Duane; son-in-law, Miles Bairey; two daughters-in-law, Carol Dittman Smith and Carol Herman Smith; three sisters; one brother; four grandchildren; and one great grandson.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Iola’s arrangements.
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So sorry about your moms’ passing. I only got to know her when she entered the home. She was such a sweet lady. She really enjoyed it when her kids would stop by. She had such a soft voice. I will really miss seeing her.
I was sorry to see that you have lost your dear Mother. She was such a nice lady. I never think of her but I remember how one of my brothers loved her Osgood pie she used to bring to our pie socials at Stephan rural. Lots of good memories from back then. I hope your memories of your mom bring you much comfort now and in the days to come. You have my sympathy. . .it’s never easy to lose our mothers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Iola’s life and fondly remember so many memories about her life. We also remember Aunt Iola and cherish the memories we have. Surround each other in your love for each other at this time of loss. Lela & Dan
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Iola was a wonderful lady filled with lots of spunk and kindness. Enjoyed visiting and having her coffee with family and friends. She was very proud of her family, in which I am sure you also have many fond memories. And oh yes, always took great pride in looking good and loved her red hair! May God Bless your families.
Dear Smith Family, My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of your beautifull mother. All these years later I have to say that I always considered Glenn and Iola as Grandparents. They just reached out and drew you in and made you feel a part of the family! I so fondly remember Iola planning meals for her family and ranch hands, teaching me to churn butter, I learned so much from her in just a few short summers!I never ride a horse or even see one for that matter with out thinking of the Smiths! Perhaps you will be comforted as we were when our parents passed that in the end there are no mysteries… all is known and those we love are reunited with those they love who have gone before them. May God Bless and keep you as you work your way thru this loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Skeet and family, so sorry to hear the loss of your mother. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you all during this time.
We are sorry for your loss. Iola was such a kind and thoughtful lady. She went through so much but always had that sweet smile. Pray all your great memories bring you comfort. We will miss seeing her at Highmore Health very much.
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of Lola. I have known the family for many years. As you face this time of loss may you be comforted by gentle reminders of your loved one and fond memories that live on in your heart. God Bless!
I love you grandma I will miss you so much. I had a fun time spending time with you in Highmore. Love you grandma see you up in heaven. <3