Mary Smith, 94, of rural Oskaloosa, died Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born December 20, 1927, in Bloomfield, Iowa the daughter of Harry and Hazel (Feagins) Greeno. She attended What Cheer High School, graduating with the Class of 1944. On December 24, 1945, she was united in marriage to Elmer Smith at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa.
After high school, she went to work for What Cheer Pottery. Following her marriage to Elmer, she stayed home to care for her family and her home. She later took a job at the Continental Overall Factory for a time before going to work at Oskaloosa Food Products. Last she worked at Pella Corp. and remained there until retiring in 1989, after 16 years of service. Mary was a member of the What Cheer Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, pulling weeds and raking leaves. She also enjoyed attending her family’s activities. Above all else, her family was the center of her world.
Her family includes her two children and their spouses, Stephen and Dixie Smith of New Sharon and Becky and John Kelsey of Bussey; seven grandchildren; Robert Smith, Mark (Angie) Smith, Doug (Mandy) Jones, Jon (Jennifer) Pollock, Andy (Jess) Pollock, Rod Smith Jr. and Heather Smith, 24 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Oren Greeno in Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Elmer “Junior” Smith; her parents; a son, Rodney Smith; 2 great-great grandchildren, Coy and Knox Grier and 3 brothers, Lyle, Elmer and Errol Dean Greeno.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 19, 2022, in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Andy Watts officiating. Burial will be at the Weldon Cemetery in southwest Mahaska County. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin after 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Weldon Cemetery.
