Diane Virginia Smith

Diane Smith passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012, at her home in Blue Springs in the presence of her family. She had been recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had elected home hospice. Diane was happy to have her family at her side as the days grew short.

She was born December 26, 1943, in Moose Lake, Minn., to Curtis and Vivian Wilson. Diane was married to Charles Smith on Feb. 1, 1968. She had worked as a dietitian and as a house mother for a sorority at Iowa State University. Later years would find her doing puzzles, internet bingo, shopping, particularly garage sales and always looking for a bargain. Upon news of her passing Wal-Mart stock dropped five points.

Diane loved spending time with her grandchildren, traveling between her home and Iowa to see them on a regular basis. She took great pride in her brood and loved nothing more than a good sale to pick up something to bestow on the lucky grandkid. She had learned how to skype and loved being able to actually see the kids when she was talking to them. Music was a constant presence in her life as she loved listening to Neil Diamond as she traveled around.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Vivian Wilson.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; her six children, Allen (Michelle) Smith of Urbandale, Iowa, Lynda (Tim) Meyers of Blue Springs, Mo., Melissa (Matt) Woodworth of Ames, Iowa, Gary (Brenda) Smith of Carlisle, Iowa, Dennis Smith of Duluth, Minn., and Jennifer Smith of Des Moines, Iowa. Diane leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Diane was blessed with a large and loving family; she is survived by her six siblings, Larry (Karmen) Wilson of Barnum, Minn., Curtis (Cindy) Wilson of Sturgeon Lake, Minn., Christine (Benny) Burke of McEwen, Tenn., Dwain (Connie) Wilson of Sturgeon Lake, Kevin (Janette) Wilson of Phoenix, Ariz., and Robin (Bill) Bailey of Isanti, Minn. She is also survived by her dog, Sisu.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Kettle River, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Diane Smith Memorial Fund at: TCF Bank, 8690 E. Point Road, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

March 22, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

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