Eileen Smith

Eileen F. Smith, a resident of Lansing, IA, for more than 20 years, passed away on August 19, 2024, with her husband Scott Smith by her side, at the age of 75. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from at 4:00 -7:00 PM with testimonials and a prayer service from 6:00 PM at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing followed by a luncheon in the church basement. All are welcome. A burial will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that one-time donations be made to St. Jude Hospital ( www.stjude.org/donate ) in Eileen Smith's memory.

Born April 1, 1949, in Albany, NY, Eileen Frances Smith was the daughter of William and Margaret (White) Geier. After graduating from Mercy High School, she then attended Junior College of Albany. In the winter of 1969, Eileen met her first husband Ronald Rucker. Together they welcomed four children: Kyle (b. 1973), Pearl (b. 1977), Keely (b. 1980), and Trent (b. 1983). The family settled in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Eileen loved gardening and would often dig up her favorite flowers to bring with her when she moved to a new home. In the 1990s, Eileen began a new life chapter in Massachusetts, working at AT&T's teletypewriter center, servicing hearing impaired customers. There she met Scott Smith, whom she would fall in love with and marry in an intimate ceremony on September 16, 2000. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and found joy creating and donating countless Quilts of Valor. Eileen won various quilting awards for her exceptional craftsmanship and artist skill. She has quilts on display in local parishes and family and friends' homes.

Eileen is survived by her husband Scott Smith; her children: Kyle Rucker, Pearl Cafritz, Keely Farrell, and Trent Rucker; her grandchildren: Fox Farrell, Ava Duane, Hobbes Farrell, Darby Duane, Lennox Webb-Rucker, and Hayes Webb-Rucker. She is also survived by her brother William Geier as well as other surviving family members scattered throughout the world.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare providers and caregivers at Thornton Manor for their exceptional care. Special thanks also to all the friends and family who reached out with love and support during this time.

Eileen's vibrant spirit and boundless passion for life will be profoundly missed. She took on each day ready to accomplish whatever she could for her community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.