Marjorie Jean Smith
March 07, 2016
Marjorie Smith, 93, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016, at Union Park Health Services in Des Moines. She was born in Otley, Iowa, on August 31, 1922, to Carl and Beulah Fraaken.
Marjorie and her husband owned and operated Melvin O. Smith & Son Ditching Company in Des Moines for many years. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and Boline-Manfredi VFW Post 9662.
Majorie enjoyed watching NASCAR, Sprint Car races, and crocheting in her spare time.
Marjorie is survived by her grandchildren, Michael (Mary) Smith and Melissa Sassman (Steve Ponsetto); great-grandchildren, Steven Smith, Stephine Smith, Jerad Sassman, Grant Sassman, and Molle Sassman; niece, Debbie Harms; great-niece, Elizabeth (Bradley) Thrasher; great great-nephew, Buddy; as well as a host of other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; son, Merlin Smith; brothers, Kenneth Fraaken, Ronnie Fraaken, and Lee Fraaken; and her sisters, Geraldine Peckham and Phyllis Kelley.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Marjorie.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sandy Allen
03/14/2016
I was one of the lucky ladies that met Marge when she opened her home for our group of ladies to play LRC dice game, and later we joined her at Luther Park and Union Park. We brought food, as well, and she loved the company. She always had a smile no matter how she might have felt otherwise. She loved her family and spoke highly of how Debbie took such good care of her needs when she couldn't get out on her own. It is hard to say good-bye to such a lovely lady.
Loretta Marsh
03/14/2016
Our group that played LCR with Marge every month is really going to miss her. Before that we had breakfast every Friday at Country Kitchen . She never met a stranger. Love you Marge.
The Boyds
03/13/2016
Debbie,
We are so very sorry to learn of Marj's passing. We met her through you but it wasn't long until we referred to her as "Aunt Marj" too.
She was a pretty great lady for sure.
We hope your sorrow will soon be replaced with precious memories. All our love to you and your family.
Bob and Vicki Boyd
Prescott, Az
Coleen Minear
03/13/2016
Marjorie was the nicest person you would ever meet. She opened her home to a group of us and when she moved we went
with her. I loved Marjorie from the moment I met her. I will miss her occasional phone calls and if we hadn't talked for awhile, we just picked up where we left off from the previous call. She never
met a stranger. God bless her!
Michelle Kelsey
03/10/2016
Marjorie was a great lady! We all enjoyed her here at Union Park. We will miss her hosting the ladies once a month, she really looked forward to that day! I said hello to her every morning at her breakfast table, she was a joy and a wonderful lady. Our condolences
Martha Padgett
03/08/2016
Oh how I'm going to miss you! Thank you for welcoming in to the family after so many years where I felt I didn't belong anywhere. Me, Don, and kids have so many fond memories of you to get us through until we meet again. You were a great stand in Grandma to my kids. We love you!