"I didn't know Jeanette outside Ames Racquet and Fitness Club but saw her almost weekly in Saturday morning Aqua class. She was an interesting person who had many experiences that she shared when we were all in the locker room. My sympathies to the family."
In loving memory of
Jeanette Catherine Smithson
May 24, 1936 - January 18, 2018
Jeanette Catherine (Rinker) Smithson, age 81, of Ames died at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames on January 18, 2018. A gathering of friends and family will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa. A celebration of Jeanette's life will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Collegiate Presbyterian Church 159 Sheldon Ave Ames, Iowa 50010.
Jeanette was born in Beaver Township, Boone County, Iowa on May 24, 1936, the daughter of J. Perry and Daisy Ellen (Doran) Rinker. She graduated from Grand Junction High School, and Iowa State University with her B.S. in Home Economics and Child Development. She met Leland Smithson at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames and the couple was married there on April 15, 1958. She and Leland lived in Des Moines and Clarion before returning to Ames in 1968. She was a member of Collegiate Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon. Jeanette was loved by many in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her days were often filled with volunteer activities with children, church activities and community programs.
Jeanette is survived by her husband, Leland D. Smithson of Ames; children Thomas (Deb) Smithson of Fargo, ND, Kathryn (Lynn) Vannoy of Ames, Robert (Angela) Smithson of Mahtomedi, MN and Susan (Gary) Doehrmann of Waverly, IA; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Janice (Darrell) Coy and Jackie (Bill) Souder. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Oliver "Bob" Rinker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Northcrest Foundation or the charity of your choice
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Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Lee and family, what a shock to hear of your loss. Jeanette will be missed by many and all that loved her. Wish I could be there for you during this time but will keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sandra Olson (Smithson)"
"Lee and Family, The Spoonemore Family in WY reach out to you during this time of sadness. We are sorry for your lose and may God's grace and strength be with you all. It was always a pleasure to visit with Jeanette and Lee during our Clear Roads meetings. In the later years of Lee's involvement the Clear Roads group always asked how Jeanette was doing. Our group miss both Lee and Jeanette as they are a special part of our collective history of Clear Roads."
"About nine years ago, we have just arrived in the US for education and knew very little about American culture. Grandma Jeanette sat across the table and thought us (with her lovely smile) the "American way" to eat a chicken drumstick is to use hands instead of fork and knife. She was such a warmhearted and spirited lady that we will never forget. Grandma Jeanette and Grandpa Lee share so many great memories in our lives - Abby's very first hangout experience with Jeanette in the Reiman Gardens, the little walk through the park in the Northcrest community after every thanksgiving dinner, playing hide and seek in the house, and so many more...We will miss her. "
"Lee & Family. We send our sincerest sympathies. We are sorry not to be in Ames on this sad occasion. "
"What a shock to find that Jeanette has died. I will miss her. I remember when I would be gardening on the Northcrest Retirement Community Campus she would often stop by during her morning walk and visit with me. She would admire the flowers and express her gratitude for any beauty she identified and for all the gardeners who helped make the campus attractive. She was always smiling, emitted a chuckle or two and would share many an encouraging word. She had a positive, cheerful spirit that she readily shared with all. She was a dear, kind and friendly woman. I will miss her."
"Mrs. Smithson always greeted us with a smile every time we came to clean their townhome. She always talked about her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She always gave good advice and tought us many things. She called us her cleaning angles. It was a blessing to know her."
"Our sympathy and prayers at this time of loss, Tom and family. Sorry for your loss, may God give you His help, comfort and all that is needed."