In Loving Memory
Esther Smith

VISITATION
Friday, July 7, 2017
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, July 8, 2017
10:30 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Jim Morris

INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Esther Josephine Johnson Smith, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2017 after a brief illness; she was 97.

Esther was born October 14, 1919 to immigrant parents, Jonas and Anna Breeton Johnson of Norway. She was born in the farmhouse in which she was raised, (an Iowa Century Farm) near Mallard and Curlew. Esther started school at the age of four alongside her sister Helen and graduated from Mallard High School at the age of sixteen.

After graduation, Esther moved to Chicago, Illinois where she was employed with Time Magazine. On August 20, 1940 Esther married Raymond Smith of Curlew. After briefly residing in Chicago, they responded to the call of the land and returned to farm near Curlew.

Esther worked at Berkley's in Emmetsburg, and quickly moved up the corporate ladder to become the office administrator overseeing all aspects of the business. For over 75 years she regularly played organ and piano for various church services in the Emmetsburg area. In appreciation of her service she received a plaque from the Iowa State Legislature. She was also an avid pinochle player and crossword puzzle enthusiast. Her biggest thrill was the summer parades with Raymond and the ponies and buggy.

In 2008 Raymond and Esther moved to Emmetsburg. In 2011, after 70 years of marriage, Raymond passed away. In late 2013 Esther moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where she remained until her passing.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings who died in infancy, brother Johnnie, brother Arthur, and three sisters Clara Johnson, Helen Bringelson, and Laura Leonard, and her son Harlan Paul Smith.

Esther is survived by two sons, Raymond Brian (Carolyn) in Gambrills, Maryland and Sam (Mary) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and daughter-in-law Robin (Aurora, Illinois). Grandchildren consist of Michelle (Nick) Padfield (Bowie, Maryland), Kevin Smith (Copenhagen, Denmark), Charlie Smith (Omaha, Nebraska), Meghan Smith (fiancé Peter Castonguay Chelsea, Massachusetts), A.J. (Jessica) Smith (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Katelynn Smith (Austin, Texas), and Lauren Smith (Aurora, Illinois). Great-grandchildren are Brett Padfield (Bowie, Maryland) and Thad, Lucy, Graham and Bumble Bee Smith - due early August 2017 (Tulsa, Oklahoma).

So ends another chapter in the legacy of the Smith Family. It is said that your children are a reflection of who you are. Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, Great Grandpa and Grandma – thank you for who we are.

Raymond Brian Smith Family
Sam Smith Family
Robin Smith Family

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home