Esther Smith

Esther L. Smith, 87, of rural Postville, IA, died Monday, October 7, 2013, at her home. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, IA. There will be a private family burial at a later date at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.

Esther Louise Smith was born November 18, 1925, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of John C. and Eugenia L. (Phillips) May. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon and attended rural country school in the Postville area. On April 20, 1942, she married Ivan Charles Smith at St. Patrick Catholic Church. They farmed in the Forest Mills area for 30 years and continued to live in the area during retirement. Esther worked as a housekeeper for many years at the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. She enjoyed working in her garden, growing beautiful flowers, crocheting blankets and other items for her grandchildren, and cooking, especially wild game. With many family members living in Oregon, she particularly enjoyed her visits there. An abundance of wild birds at the feeders in her yard, and the deer that often peeked into her living room window, were always welcome visitors. She was a kind, generous and gentle person, whose favorite pastime was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children: Sylvia Roffman and William "Bill" Smith, both of Waukon, Lorraine (Maury) Gallagher and Stephen M. Smith both of Postville; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; one son-in-law: Stan Franklin of Henderson, NV; two sisters: Joan Ewing of Albany, OR, and Patricia Tucker of Waterloo, IA; three sisters-in-law: Norma May of Corvallis, OR, Betty May of Monmouth, OR, and Helen May of Waterville, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ivan, who died in 2006; two daughters: Donna Franklin and Gloria Kervin; two great-great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law: Marlene Smith; five brothers: Leo, Gene, James, Robert, and Jerry May; four sisters: Catherine May, Mary Smith, Marcella Fencl, Hazel Morin, and one infant sister; three brothers-in-law: Ray Smith, Leonard Fencl, and Ray Morin; and one son-in-law: Jim Kervin.