Alyce Rose Smith

Alyce Rose (Woods) Smith, the daughter of Otis and Olga (Skog) Woods, was born January 24, 1922, in Estherville, Iowa. She passed away Friday, December 4, 2015, at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville at the age of 93.

She received her education in the Estherville schools graduating from Estherville High School in 1939.

On July 11, 1942, Alyce was united in marriage to Russell Law Smith in Yuma, Arizona. Following Russell's honorable discharge from military service in World War II, they moved to Estherville to make their home and raise their family. For a time they made their home in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Along with being a mother and wife, Alyce was employed at Scott's Toggery, McCleary's Department Store, Emmet County Historical Museum and American Greeting Card Company. Alyce was active in the Estherville community and spent many years as the Estherville Welcome Wagon representative where she visited the home of many new residents to Estherville. Alyce was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Estherville having been a member since 1939 (76 years). She was a member of the church choir, bell choir and for a time was a volunteer in the church office.

Left to cherish Alyce’s memory are her three daughters, Randine Celusta and her husband Roger of McFarland, Wisconsin; Nancy Horgen and her husband Chris of Huntsville, Alabama; and Sara Kelley of Terril, Iowa; eight grandchildren whom she cherished, Jay Horgen, Jennifer Horgen Levinson, Sara Celusta Trachte, Aaron Celusta, Melissa Kelley Nelson, Elizabeth Kelley Johansen, Adam Kelley, John Kelley and 14 great-grandchildren. Alyce has been preceded in death by her husband Russell of 56 years; son-in-law Danial Kelley; and her parents and brother Cecil Woods.

Her husband Russell passed away November 19, 1998. Alyce remained in their home, living independently until the time of her death.