Lois Jean Smalley, 78, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed peacefully with loved ones at her side on October 2, 2025 at Northern Mahaska Specialty Care in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Jean was born January 26th, 1947 in Lamar, Colorado to Stanford Koch and Lois Jean Crister. Jean grew up in Colorado and always felt at home near the mountains. While attending High School in Lamar, she found the love of her life, Kenneth Smalley. After graduation, they married on June 10, 1965 in Fruita, Colorado. They dreamed of building a life together. From that dream they started their family in Missouri. Kenneth’s dream of a farm came true when their family moved to Bloomfield, Iowa. Jean could not have been happier to see their dreams come to life.
Jean worked as a CNA, a secretary for Iowa Legal Aide, and helped with her husband’s farm. The highest titles she ever held was wife, mother, and Granny. She loved her babies with everything she had. Jean had an amazing sense of humor. Her strength and perseverance for loving and protecting her family came above all else. Those that had the privilege to know her say that “she was love,” in all that she did. The simple pleasures in life made her the happiest; family being near, chocolate, and Chery Coke.
She was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Smalley; parents, Stanford Koch and Lois Crister; five siblings, Thomas Koch, Grant Koch, Merrie Unselt, Luther Marten Sr., and Nancy Sparks.
She will be lovingly remembered by family; she is survived by five grandchildren, Julie Ellis of North Carolina, Kenneth Smalley of Montezuma, Iowa, Stan (Raechel) Smalley Jr. of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jessica Smalley of Missouri, Waylon Smalley of Fort Riley, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren that were the absolute light of her life; and five siblings, Kathy Walker, Darla Shanks, James Walker Jr., Julie Walker, and Donna Crabb all of Oklahoma.
Jean’s wish was to be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is assisting the family and online condolences may be directed to www.waglerfuneralhome.com.
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