Viola June Smith

Funeral services for Viola Smith will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Melcher Dallas. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church of Melcher-Dallas, 203 W. Center Street, Melcher-Dallas, Iowa 50163.

Viola June Smith passed from this earth on November 1, 2022 at the age of 90. Viola was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1932. The only daughter of Leonard and Ethel Schnirring, she had two older brothers Harold and Glenn, and a younger brother Richard. She grew up in Sac City, Iowa where she met and married Richard Greenlee in 1951. They were married for 20 years and together they had eight children. Throughout her lifetime, Viola was a joy to all she encountered. Well-known for her kind and gentle nature, it was common for her family to hear, “Oh, I just love Viola” from those who knew her. 

She was married to Ken Smith in the year of the Bicentennial, 1976. They made their home in Lucas County and were together for 46 years. They enjoyed traveling, being with people, going out with family and friends for dinners, attending church events and any family gathering. Viola experienced a life-long love of music, playing the piano, singing, and attending performances at every opportunity. She was wildly creative and artistic. She loved to sew and if she had an idea for a garment without a pattern, she would create one. Countless quilts (hand pieced) and baby blankets are distributed among her family and friends. Her drawings and paintings adorn the walls of her children and grandchildren.    

She was beloved by her children: Dennis Greenlee (deceased), Diane Schwartzman (Jim), Steve Greenlee, Linda Navo (Kirk), Jeff Greenlee (Mary), Brenda Adamovicz (Jeff), Julie Stierwalt (Kyle), Deb Kazmerzak (Richard), and three step-children: Mike Smith (Susan), Mark Smith, (Shannon), and Miles Smith (Karla).  Each of her children were blessed by the many gifts of her lovely spirit, through her words, actions and example.   

Viola adored babies, and they adored her right back! Her children relished that trait when the grandchildren started to arrive. She loved 21 grandchildren: Ryan, Adrian, Aaron, Cameron, Lucas, Jessie, James (deceased), Zach, Laura, Mason, Jordan, Harrison, Carly, Claire (deceased), Ryan, Emily, Nikki, Clint, Cale, Cody, and Chelsea and so enjoyed her many great grandchildren. She will be missed desperately, but we are so grateful to have received her love for so long. Peace be with you sweet Viola, all our love travels with you.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/viola-smith-2022