Virginia N. Smith

SMITH, Virginia N. 10/15/1928 – 11/12/2020 Virginia was preceded in death by husband Hugh Smith; She is survived by her Daughter Linda (John) Leque; Son Steven (Susan) Smith; Sister Shirley Guss; Many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Celebration of Virginia’s Life: Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 at 11:00am The service will be private, to livestream the service or for more details, visit www.bramanmortuary.com Interment: Hillcrest ************************************************************************************************ SEE MEMORIES BELOW FROM THE FAMILY....... Jesus loves me this I know.... My home is in Washington state and my mom lived in Iowa, so my only link to her was by phone. As her language faded I found music was a way we could communicate. The only song she would respond to was “Jesus loves me” It became ( for a time) a tie I could depend on. As time and her disease progressed even that disappeared. Virginia Lea Noble Smith was the best mom anyone could have been blessed with. Beautiful, self assured, intelligent, and kind to a fault. Always even tempered, and always had time for us. Doing dishes after dinner, she washed, I dried, and we talked. These talks over dishes could get very deep and very serious or be silly and loud with laughter. We laughed a lot in our house. Mom was a business woman when most women I knew were housewives. I was proud of her dress and her poise. She was president of the PTA, room mother, Campfire girls leader, Sunday School teacher. Mom always had enormous group of friends, and loved to entertain. Everyone loved her. I was told by someone that when writing this I should paint a true picture, include her foibles. I really tried to think of some but aside from her love of and battle with food I don’t know of any. She was a fabulous cook and loved food. How bad is that ? I remember a time the Campfire Girls she lead, went on a field trip to a private park. It was about 1958 ( my poor little brother got dragged along on these things) We had an African American girl in our club ( negro in the 1950s)who was our close friend, we didn’t even give it a second thought. She had been in our group of friends since kindergarten. We got to the front gate and the man there said we couldn’t come in with Beverly, it was for whites only. My mother morphed into something I’d not seen before and using her vast vocabulary told him off in no uncertain terms, wrapped her arms around Bev and told her how much she was loved. All of us showered our friend with love and mom took us out for ice cream. I was so proud of my mom. She set an example for all of us that day. I know that this woman of quality and grace is in the arms of God. As the last stanza of our song says... The Bible tells me so..... Love you mom, forever❤️ ~ Linda Leque, Daughter ******************************************************************************************** Grammy always seemed to be in a good mood.She was always happy to serve the Lord, her family and her friends and was always there for a good conversation, good advice and a good laugh.We were all so lucky to have Grammy cook for us all those years.From her rhubarb pie to her green beans, everything was always perfect.I remember her sayings that she got from her dad would always make us laugh."Hop to it and get a red nose," she would say when it was time to eat breakfast.I remember how heartfelt it was when she said grace before meals and how sincere she was in everything she did. I loved looking at all of her books, plants and her ho-tie statues in the window sill.I will always cherish the times I got to spend talking with her while I picked up Leah from spending the day with her.It seemed like she always had the right words to help brighten the day.Grammy touched all of us so deeply because she genuinely cared so much for all of us.Thank you Grammy for everything you did for us and all of the love you showed us. ~ Benjamin Smith, Grandson ************************************************************************************************ I remember my Grandma by the name of Grammy. As a kid growing up, of course I remember all of the candy,cookies, and meals she made us. My family still uses her top recipes with her name attached to them. She taught me how to make a unique version of a peppernut cookie that I can't find online that we still make every year. As an adult I admired her attitude, she always greeted people with true authentic enthusiasm. She was truly a blessing to us all and may God bless her.~ Scott Smith, Grandson ************************************************************************************************ My favorite memory of Grammy is watching her play solitaire, the real card kind (not the computer).She always had a game going and as a kid I always loved to try to finish her games. How can I forget the amazing Thanksgiving dinners, with the best pumpkin pie! And one thing I distinctly remember is that no one made sunny side eggs better than Grammy! I also remember all the great Christmas Eves spent at Grammy's house. And when I lived with Grammy after college, she used to iron my clothes.I don't think I have had anything ironed as well since. Another memory is when we spent the day together and I took her to the Danish Museum in Elk horn, Iowa. She had a lot of fun. I'm sure there is much more I can't remember.~ Matt Smith, Grandson