Darlene Smith

Darlene Smith, 99, of Sioux City, IA

A graveside service will be held Monday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa.  Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Darlene was born February 6, 1921, in Williamson, Iowa, to Roy B. and Edna Mae (Dixon) Foster. She grew up and attended school at Williamson, IA, graduating in 1938.  She moved to Moline, IL in 1939 and worked as a secretary.  It was there that she met Thomas Hamilton Smith III.  The couple were married October 10, 1942.  Tom was drafted into the Army during WWII, serving in France and Germany.   Darlene moved to Chariton where she raised their two sons, Thomas Hamilton Smith IV and Terry L. Smith. When Tom returned from the war, he went to work for the U. S. Postal Service. Darlene returned to work in 1954, serving as the Deputy County Recorder for Lucas County until 1958. Then she worked for the Lucas County ASCS office for several years. Tom and Darlene enjoyed many camping trips around the country, until he died in September of 1975. Darlene then was employed by the Christoffers Law Firm until 1982. At her son Terry’s request, Darlene moved to Sioux City in 1987, and started working part-time for him at the Christy-Smith Funeral home. She was instrumental in starting the Step-Beyond Aftercare Program, designed for bereaved individuals, where she organized day bus trips, a noon lunch group, and Holiday light tours.  She continued mentoring this group until it celebrated its 25^th anniversary.  She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Chariton and Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sioux City.  Her family will miss her constant love, her strong faith in the Lord, and the numerous prayers she has said for them. Her friends will miss her cheerful smile, her positive attitude, and her acceptance of everyone.

Darlene is survived by a daughter-in-law, Sheryl of Wasilla, AK and a son, Terry (Carolyn) of Sioux City, IA.  Darlene loved her five grandchildren: Thomas (Pam) of Wasilla, AK, Chad (Candy) of Grand Junction, CO, Chris (Kerri) of Phoenix, AZ, Carin Eckhoff of Sioux City, and Todd (Vicki) of Hebron, KY.  And she cherished her Great grandchildren, Ella, Claire, Thomas H. VI, and Owen Smith of Wasilla, AK, and Henry, Cora, and Emily Eckhoff of Sioux City, and Leora Smith of Hebron, KY.  And she was close to her 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, her son, and five brothers and sisters.