Virginia Smith

Virginia Ione Smith, 94, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother met her Lord on Friday, March 28, 2025 at her home in Lawton, Iowa.

A visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Virginia’s funeral service will be at Morningside Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com

Virginia was born July 26, 1930 in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Lillian (Hageman) Olson. Virginia grew up on a farm near Lawton, attending K-8 at rural school, Concord #6. She graduated from Lawton High School in 1948.

Virginia worked at the Woodbury County Bank in Sioux City and married Doyle Smith on April 9, 1950, at Bethal Lutheran Church in Lawton. Virginia and Doyle were engaged in farming in the Lawton area for 66 years. Virginia was a significant part of their farm operation.

In addition to her family and grandchildren, Virginia’s faith was of paramount importance to her. She was a member of Morningside Lutheran Church for 65 years. Virginia’s life was a testament to the value of hard work and dedication. At home, she always embodied the role of a devoted farm wife partner and mother; balancing the demands of the farm with tenacity and grace. Virginia loved to check cows and calves in the pastures. If fence needed fixing, or a gate guarded from cattle, she was there.

Virginia was a quiet soul who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She cherished time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family members, friends and club organizations. She was the grandma who played on the floor for hours with her grandchildren. Virginia loved her garden and had a special green thumb for tomatoes and cucumbers. She loved her apple tree, and no one made a better apple pie! She and her roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy will be missed greatly!

Virginia is survived by her children: Gary (Kathy) Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA, Valerie (Stan) Unkrich of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and Greg (Deb) Smith of Jefferson, SD; sister, Marlis Friesner; grandchildren: Sarah (Matt) Craft, Ryan (Kim) Smith, Lindsay (Jon) Gallo, Brendan (Brandelle) Unkrich, Angela (Alfonso) Ribeiro, Tyson (Dr. Gabriel) Unkrich, Michael (Leslie) Smith, and Matthew Smith; great grandchildren: Claudia Craft, Natalie Craft, Madeline Craft, Bennett Unkrich, Clarabella Unkrich, Emmalyn Unkrich, AJ Ribeiro, Anders Ribeiro, Ava Ribeiro, Noah Bannwarth, Kate Bannwarth, Annie Bannwarth, and Jack Smith.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doyle Smith; siblings: Minnetta Schweitzberger and Virgil Olson; and her beloved great granddaughter, Kate Craft.

Pallbearers will include Virginia’s grandsons: Brendan Unkrich, Tyson Unkrich, Ryan Smith, Michael Smith, Matthew Smith, and family friend Tyler Widman.

Memorials may be given to Morningside Lutheran Church Sunday School.