Frances D. Smith

Frances D. Smith, 95 of Woodlake ND passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the Carrington Medical Center with beloved family at her side.

Frances was born the second of seven daughters to Mike and Olivia Medved at her grandparents’ home, rural Minnewaukan on December 21, 1926. She attended school at Crow Hill, Warwick and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake.

On September 12, 1944, Frances married her childhood sweetheart, Howard Smith. Together they made their home at Woodlake for over 60 years where they lovingly raised their nine children. For the past six years, she resided at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford.

Frances worked on the ranch as a homemaker tending to her family. Her favorite past times included gardening, planting flowers, canning, cooking, and baking; her baked beans and homemade buns have yet to be duplicated. She was an involved member of St. Michael’s and Christ the King parishes. Frances and Howard enjoyed traveling and spent several winters in Arizona. They also loved attending dances, fiddle festivals, and playing cards. Saturday nights were spent watching her favorite country music shows. The highlight of her week during basketball season was spent listening to the Four Winds boys’ team, coached by her two sons. She was their biggest fan and never missed a game.

Frances’ real joy was her family. They were the heart of her being and she showed it each day through her actions. She dedicated her life to working hard to care for them. She was best known for her positive attitude, friendly smile, and contagious laughter. Words she lived by were “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” She taught us respect, kindness, love, and faith in God. We are so grateful for her teaching and passing on her values to us. Most of all, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, and friend.

A special thank you to the staff at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, Dr. Michael Page and Carrington Medical Center for providing unending care to our dear mother.

Your strength and character will carry on through us and remain a part of who we are. Thank you for your love, wisdom, and guidance. You will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. We love you Mom.

FRANCES’ LOVING FAMILY: Children: Darrel Smith (Lana), Debbie Sukauskas, Rodney Smith (Kathy), Terry Smith (Jane), Bonnie Hoff (Kevin), Duane Smith (Robin), Dennis Smith, Rick Smith and Lisa Olson (Troy); Grandchildren: Michelle Meyer (Lynn), Holly Smith; Travis Sukauskas (Tana); Jason Smith (Candy), Angela Oehlke (Tim), Amanda Geiger (Jeff); Lucus Smith (Melissa), Sarah Smith-Warren (Jake), Liz Fritel (Brady), Laura Kolling (Justin), Tyrus Smith, Olivia Smith; Matt Hoff (Jessie), Katie Erfman (Luke); Riley Smith; Erica Olson and Trent Olson; Great Grandchildren: Lane, Jacob, Brody and Mason Meyer, Mia Eckroth; May Sukauskas; Dylan and Alexis Smith, Kinsey and Chase Swenson, Allie Oehlke, Landon, Levi and Rilynn Geiger; Julian and Cason Smith, Milo Warren, Isabel and Eli Fritel, Ivy Kolling; Thaddeus, Abel and Macie Hoff; Sister: Margaret Bartel; Sisters-in-law: Alice Kimmerly, Julie Graham; Brother-in-law: Larry Smith; Many nieces, nephews, and their families

Preceded in death by her loving husband Howard Smith; son-in-law Ronald Sukauskas, daughter-in-law Noreen Cavanaugh, grandson Hadley Smith, great grandson Boyd Warren, sisters Irene Smith, Dorothy Morgan, Kathleen Haine, Wilma Thorson and Macy Rock.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary, Scripture Service and time of remembrance at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Reverend Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass.  Burial will be in the spring at the Howard Smith Ranch.