Signe Johannah Smith, 93, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at the New York Mills Elders Home.
She was born Aug. 28, 1914, to Matt and Lydia Asmund in Deer Creek Township. She was the eighth of nine children. In 1929, she completed country school and also attended confirmation at the Apostolic Lutheran Church. On Dec. 18, 1934, she married William M. Smith. They resided in Deer Creek Township and Otter Tail County, where they farmed and raised a family of nine children. After retiring from the farm at the age of 65, she was employed by Tuffy's in Perham. Later she worked for the New York Mills Public Library, Green Thumb, and EOT Community Action, where she thoroughly enjoyed her various assignments and the people she worked with. In 1989, she received recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Worker with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She enjoyed volunteering for organizations such as Finn Creek Open Air Museum and Habitat for Humanity. She officially retired in 1994 to enjoy time with her family and friends. Some of her hobbies included quilting, crocheting, knitting and reading.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with the Rev. Don Salo officiating. The pallbearers were Tyler Stigen, Jamie Stigen, Tyrone Umlauf, Michael Umlauf, Derek Smith and Davin Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Elvin Noponen, Roy Lahnala, Cameron Smith, Delvin Smith, Dale Jokela, Davey Jokela, Donnie Jokela and Paul Jokela. She was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills. Arrangments were provided by the Karvonen and Son Funeral Home of New York Mills.
Survivors include her sons, Eugene Smith of New York Mills, Roger (Sue) Smith of Tacoma, Wash., Wayne Smith of New York Mills, Glen (Laura) Smith of Sartell; daughters, Marilynn (Ray) of Jokela Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Vida (James) Jokela of Brainerd, Debbie Smith of Fergus Falls, and Connie (Duane) Stigen of Fergus Falls; brother, Albert (Golda) Benke of Perham; 24 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of close family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mervill; husband, William; a grandson; brothers, Tauno, Eli, Charlie and Jack; and sisters, Ida Smith, Elma Karvonen and Della Hamari.
