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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Norma Jean Winter-Smith
Norma Jean Winter-Smith
Maybell, Colo.
She told us she was born on a Sunday at home and the doctor stayed for dinner. She died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Pioneer’s Medical Center, with her family by her side.
She grew up in Bankston, Iowa, where her family owned a grocer/tavern and gas station. She graduated from Saint Clements High School. The family then moved to Dubuque, Iowa. She worked at Eimer’s Greenhouse, a job which she loved and spoke of often. She was united in marriage July 10, to William Joseph Smith. Their family grew and eventually settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
She was witty, kind to everyone, a little mischievous and stubborn. She preferred animals over people, appreciated simplicity and she had a green thumb. She never passed up a good bargain or a long walk. She loved music, art and her family. She gave directions to her house based on what church steeples you could see from your location.
She is survived by her children, David (Jayne) Smith of Ames, Iowa, Mary (Joe) Schminkey of Maybell, Colo., Julie Smith (Mike Lang) of Hayden, Colo., Kathy (Brad-deceased) Talkington of Craig, Colo. and Mike Smith (Sarah Krantz) of Dubuque, Iowa; grandchildren, Bill Smith and Barb (Tim) Leininger of Boone, Iowa, Melissa (Scott) Kretzmann of Denver, Colo., Raechel (Brian) Markham of Grand Junction, Colo., Lydia (Mike) Morris of Hayden, Colo., Noah (Madi) Murray of Fort Campbell, Ky., Cody Evaristo (Talkington) of Craig, Colo., Shawn Smith and David (Jimiya) Smith of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Brent, Emily and James Krantz of Dubuque, Iowa; and great-grandchildren, Lily Leininger, Ellie and Adeline Markham, Autumn and Carter Murray, Azaria and Athena Smith. She also had many dear nieces and nephews along with cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Irene Winter; her sister, Cecilia Winter; two brothers, Cletus and Sylvester “Butch” Winter; and former husband, William Smith.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in her name to your local animal shelter or rescue center.
Interment in Bankston, Iowa, will be in the spring.
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