Deloris Jean Smith

1932 - 2010

Deloris Jean Smith, 77, of Bushnell, formerly of Havana, passed away at her home at 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. She was born September 10, 1932 in Park River, ND to Leon and Ada (Gillespie) Ratliff. She married Raymond Smith in 1972 in LaHarpe, IL.

Mrs. Smith is survived by 11 children, Melinda Malone of Bushnell, Lori Starjar of Urbandale, IA, Cindy of Creston, IA, Audrey of Michigan, Julie of Michigan, Rhonda Smith of Iowa, Scott Smith of Nebraska, Dean of Arizona and Merlin Clemetson of Grand Fort, 48 grandchildren, 19 great-grahdchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Gracie and Ada of Chicago, Leona Antonson of Park River, ND, three brothers, Gary Ratliff of Chicago, Forrest Ratliff of NY and James Ratliff. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, James and two daughters, Anabell and Linda.

Mrs. Smith was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in Havana. She was also a member of Rebbekas Lodge in Havana and Sweet Adalines in Pekin. She had volunteered at the Senior Center in Havana for 15 years. She was a member of the Sportsman’s Club for over 10 years. She had served on the Mason County Housing Authority Tenant Council for several years and had created children’s programs there as well. She was a nurse and had operated her own home health program for ten years.  

Visitation will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home in Havana from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded and a graveside service will be held at Walker's Grove Cemetery on Thursday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Dave Eden will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.