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; a sister-in-law LaVonne Smidt of Kanawha; 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.