Della Mae Smith

Della M. Smith, 81, passed away at Iowa Methodist Medical Center on August 29th, 2016. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 3rd at Berean Assembly of God Church, 5299 University Ave in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Private interment will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

Della was born on November 9, 1934 in Iowa City, Iowa. A lifelong resident of Des Moines and Pleasant Hill, she retired after 34 years as a secretary in Des Moines Public Schools.

Survivors include her children, Phyllis Smith (Jim Boland) and Rick Smith (Kathy); granddaughters, Venessa (Jeremy) McConkey, Valerie (Mark) Mullin, and Vania Boland; grandson, James Boland; great-granddaughters, Evelyn McConkey and Arie Mullin; great-grandsons, Jace and Dylan McConkey; sister, Dorothy Horton; and brothers, Jerry and Robert Blackburn. Della was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jerry Smith, in 2011 and her sister, Naomi Stahl.

Della’s life was greatly enriched by her grandchildren, family, school friends, and the many friends made from her love of dancing. She will also be remembered for her love of flowers and her beautiful yard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036 or electronically at autismspeaks.org.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

A Sonnet by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

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