In Loving Memory
Stanley R. Smith
November 23, 1946 - April 10, 2020

GRAVESIDE SERVICE and INURNMENT
Saturday, June 26, 2021
1:00 P.M.
Dickens Cemetery
Dickens, Iowa

Refreshments and old fashioned reunion at the Legion Hall in Ruthven following the service.

Stanley Russell Smith was born on November 23, 1946 to Melvin and Almeda (Jones) Smith in Webb, Iowa. He graduated from South Clay Schools in 1965. Following graduation Stan enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. Stan was a heavy equipment operator and served in Thailand and Germany during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in May of 1969 as a United States Army Sargent. Stan returned home to Webb, Iowa and married his wife of fifty years, Catherine (Hoben) Smith on July 26, 1969. To this union two children were born, Stephanie and Daniel.

Stan started his employment at the John Deere Implement for a year, then a UPS driver for thirty six years, while also helping his brother farm their parents' farm. After retirement in 2005, Stan worked at the pallet factory and then began working for Sikora/Long Auctions. No matter if Stan was at the family farm, delivering a package, or at an auction, he had a wit about him that left an impression and kept people laughing.

Stan was active in his community through being on the Ruthven Volunteer Fire Department for twenty two years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #33 and enjoyed helping with the pancake breakfasts. Stan was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and helped with the mowing and maintenance. He volunteered for the Bully Bullhead parade, and coached a variety of kids in summer baseball and softball many years ago.

Stan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and "baby" brother that was a funny, easy going guy with a big heart and a bigger sense of humor, that was very special to many people. He loved giving big hugs after teasing his grandchildren, family, and many friends, but also loved to lend a helping hand to everyone. Stan enjoyed playing softball and did for 10+ years and had the opportunity to play against the Kings Court with the Spencer Fast Pitch softball team. Besides playing softball and spending time with his family and friends, Stan enjoyed watching sports on TV, where he would try and coach from his chair, at the counter.

Stan passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020 at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 73, due to a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Almeda; his grandparents; his sister, Lois Bond; brothers, Charles, Clyde, Alan, and Art Smith; seven sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law; four nieces; and six nephews.

Stan is survived by his wife, Kit of Ruthven, IA; two children, Steph (James) Eskildsen of Northwood, IA, Dan (Sara) Smith of Lago Vista, TX; five grandchildren, Kailey, Kennedy and Colby Eskildsen, and Braden and Gavin Smith; two sisters, Ardis (Swede) Erickson and Delores (Wayne) Klatt of Spencer, IA; three sisters-in-law, Janet Smith of Webb, IA, DeeAnna Smith of Kansas City, MO, Suzie Smith of Greenwood, AR; brothers-in-law, Dick Bond of Hastings, MN; many, many, nieces and nephews; and family and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home