Marlys May Smith

Marlys May Smith, 84, of Batavia, IA passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at her home. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia, IA with Pastor Tom Shipley officiating. Burial will be in the Smith Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church on Thursday, March 18, 2021 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the mission’s fund at the Calvary Baptist Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Marlys May Smith was born on November 26, 1936 in Hancock, MN to Paul and Esther Allen Sommer. She was raised in Batavia, IA where she attended school and graduated with the Batavia High School Class of 1955. Upon graduation she pursued her love of teaching at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. During her last year of college, she married the love of her life, Gerald Roy Smith. Together they became loving parents to nine children. Marlys was a dedicated wife, mother, and Christian. She raised her children as well as working outside the home as a teacher. Her career in teaching began in a one room schoolhouse and eventually to several different Christian Schools in the surrounding area. Marlys also worked for many years at the Batavia Post Office. Her life was deeply rooted in her faith and she grew that faith as an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer, dedicated Sunday School Teacher, and pianist. God and her family were the most important things in her life. She enjoyed spending time outside working with her flowers and the company of family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed. Marlys was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Esther Sommer and her loving stepmother, Alice Sommer; her husband, Gerald Smith and one brother, Delbert Sommer. Left to share her story are her nine children, Jerry (Sue) Smith of Arizona, Carol (Carl) Kopp of Douds, IA, Mary (Randy) McLaughlin of Bremen, AL, Laura (Bob) Jones of Washington, ME, Lyndon Smith of Haysville, IA, Luallen (Randy) Dodson of Davenport, IA, Lloyd (Jean) Smith of Birmingham, IA, Leo Smith of Dale, TX, and Lanette (Weldon) Oliver of Luling, TX; one sister, Loreta Park of Sioux Falls, SD as well as 20 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many extended family and friends.