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Smith, Vera M.
Vera M. Smith, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following an extended illness. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the chapel.
Survivors include her husband, Devon; brothers, Milo (Mildred) Benda of Traer, Emil (Inga) Benda of Moline, Ill., Vitus Benda of Des Moines, Joey (Marian) Benda of Swisher, Lester Benda of Marshalltown, Leonard Benda of California and Ernie (Diana) Benda of Cedar Rapids; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins; special friends, Shelley and Scott VanDraska of Swisher; and grandsons, Briar and Tysen VanDraska of Swisher.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Leota Lamparek; and two brothers, Adolph and Ludwig Benda.
Vera Marie Benda was born June 6, 1931, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Balvin) Benda. On Nov. 16, 1967, she married Devon Smith in Cedar Rapids. Vera worked at Farmstead from May 1962 until its closing. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing Canasta. Vera especially enjoyed spending time with Briar and Tysen. She will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.
Online condolences may be left at
The family would like to thank the Hospice of Mercy staff for all of their guidance and support.
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