Jean Ann Smith, 94, Monona, Iowa, died Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Garden View in Monona, Iowa. Jean was born August 26, 1927 to Harva O. and Veryl (Nichols) Miller at the Miller homestead near Postville, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith. Jean attended rural country school in Allamakee for eight years and graduated from Luana High School in 1944. Jean furthered her education at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
On January 2, 1947, Jean was united in marriage with Edwin F. Smith Jr. at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Postville, Iowa and also joined the Catholic Faith. Together they started farming in the Postville area in 1947 and moved to the Monona area to farm in 1955. Retiring to Monona in 1993. Throughout the years Jean was a homemaker, farm wife and also did toy demonstrations for Toy Parade.
Jean was very active in the community including, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Patrick Rosary Society, Froliech UNI Club, Giard Farm Bureau board member, Trustee and President of the Murphy Memorial Library, 4-H County Committee member and 4-H Leader of the Cheery Chum 4-H Club. She was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. Jean was proud to receive the Governor Volunteer Award in June 2006, Family Farm of the Year in 1968 and Mother of the year in 1975. During her lifetime, she spent many hours quilting and her family members have memories of her beautiful work. Jean also donated many tied quilts to organizations to help those in need.
Surviving Jean are her children, Barbara (Rodger) Repta of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, Fred (Debra) Smith of Luana, Iowa and Jeff (Janelle) Smith of Farmersburg, Iowa; grandchildren, Rodger (Marty) Repta, Jason (Keri) Repta, Michelle Wachholz, Chad (Sarah) Smith, Christopher (Tracey) Smith, Peggy (David) Corlett, Amy (Patrick) Fleming, Adam (Jen) Smith, Austin (Kellie) Smith, Aaron (Amy) Smith, Avrey (Hailey) Smith; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law, Darlene Miller, Betty Wormwood, Joan Taylor, Merita Nichels, Marion Smith and Karen Smith; brother-in-law, Robert (Janice) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Smith; sons, William Smith (in infancy) and Charles Smith in 1995; great-grandson, William Frederick Fleming; and her brother, Marvin Miller.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021, from 4-7pm with a 7pm rosary at the Leonard – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa. Visitation will also be held one hour before mass time at the church on Tuesday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 11am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. The Rev. Chris Podhajsky will be the celebrant.
Burial will follow in the Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.
Memorials may be given to Crossing River Health Hospice, St. Patrick Building Fund or Charity of your choice
Leonard – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.