Disterhoft Smith, Elizabeth Jean

CEDAR RAPIDS - Elizabeth Jean Disterhoft Smith, 90, lived a long, full life and died peacefully on Aug. 27, 2010, in Castro Valley, Calif. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at St. Matthew's Church in Cedar Rapids.

Jean was born Aug. 8, 1920, in Williamsburg, Iowa, seventh of eight children of Camil and Ines (Pierce) Vercande. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1938. She then completed nursing school at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, where she practiced as a Registered Nurse for many years.

In 1942, Jean married Francis Wayne Disterhoft of Parnell. They settled in Cedar Rapids, where they raised a family of nine children. They were active members of St. Matthew's parish.

Jean will be remembered for her love of life and endearing sense of humor. She enjoyed entertaining and often welcomed family and friends into her home for large feasts and fun filled gatherings.

Jean and Wayne enjoyed playing golf as members of Indian Creek Country Club. They were also avid bridge players, belonging to numerous bridge clubs with a large circle of dear friends.

After Wayne died in 1993, Jean moved to Tucson, Ariz., for the sunshine and to be near her sister, Anna. There, she met David T. Smith, whom she married in 1995. She and Dave traveled extensively for the next 11 years until his death in 2006. Jean eventually moved to be near her daughters - first to Seattle and finally to Castro Valley.

Jean is survived by her sister, Lenore Benest; her brother, Vernon Vercande; her children, John F. Disterhoft, Judith A. Long, Mary Pat Disterhoft, Margaret J. Rolly, Catherine M. Disterhoft, Laura K. Disterhoft, David M. Disterhoft and Jane T. Spreine; her 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wayne Disterhoft and David Smith; her two sons, Steven P. Disterhoft and Thomas W. Disterhoft; her sisters, Mae Zuber, Anna Kruse and Irene Vercande; and her brothers, Cloyd and Pat Vercande.