Iona Smith

Iona M. Smith, 88, of Motley, died October 10, 2022, at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held October 14 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Motley with Father Aaron Kuhn officiating. 

Interment was at St. James Cemetery in Philbrook. 

Iona was born February 12, 1934 to Charles Hales and Geneva Tinkham in Spencer, Iowa. At a very early age, her father suddenly died and the family moved to Motley where they had relatives. All the children went to work to help support the family and attended Motley and Staples schools. In 1951, Iona married Lawrence Smith at the priest‘s house in Staples. Six children were born of this union. Iona worked on the family farm and when she should have retired, she went to work for nursing homes in Staples. A very hard worker, she always put everyone before herself. It was this strong work ethic that she and her siblings learned early which shaped her life. 

Iona was a member of Christian Mothers, was a great cook, cooked for many funerals and taught religion at St. Michaels for several years. Iona loved playing cards - especially ‘500’ and ‘call your partner’. 

She is survived by four sons, Roger Smith, LeRoy (Carolyn) Smith, David Smith and Mark (Lori) Smith, all of Motley; one daughter, Gloria (Mark) Campbell, of Motley; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one brother, Kenneth Hales of Staples. 

Iona was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence; one son, Gary; one grandson, Jesse and four  siblings Laverne, Evelyn, Charles and Alvin. 

Arrangements were by  Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.

              w43c  A00006B2022OT19