Leota Olivia Smith

Leota Olivia Smith, 96, died Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at Hearthstone Manor Nursing Home, Woodstock.

She was born June 7, 1915, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles and Olivia (Bauman) Harrison. She married Russell J. Smith June 4, 1938, in Indianola, Iowa.

She was a 1938 graduate of Simpson College, Indianola.

She was a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2008. She always was involved in church activities – singing in the choir, playing the piano and organ and serving her Lord in many ways. She was a member of the PEO organization for many years. Her true joy was to love and support her husband and family. She loved to play bridge and play her Hammond organ.

Survivors include two sons, Gary (Marge) Smith, Hempstead, Texas, and Stephen (Linda) Smith, Woodstock; six grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer) Smith, Riverside, Calif., Chris (Jodie) Smith, Billings, Mont., Tracy (Charles) Fort, Vilonia, Ark., David (Suzanne) Smith, Oak Grove, Minn., Geoffery (Jennifer ) Smith, Newell, Iowa, and Bailey Smith, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; nine great-grandchildren, Caleb, Abby, Hannah, Elizabeth, Naomi, Nathan, Oliver, Carter and Joshua; and a great-great-grandchild, Natalie.

She was preceded in death by her husband March 21, 2009; three brothers, Lee Harrison, Percy Harrison and Melford Harrison; and a son, Charles Smith.

A memorial service was held March 3 at Woodstock Free Methodist Church, Woodstock. Interment was private.

Memorials can be made to the Woodstock Free Methodist Church, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois or Hearthstone Community Services (Traditions).

Arrangements were made by Marengo Community Funeral Home, Marengo.