Marilyn Jean (Froehlich) Smith

Marilyn Jean Smith, 87, of Rio, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at At Home Again Assisted Living in Rio.

Marilyn was born November 8, 1931 the daughter of Darvin and Leona Froehlich. She was married on November 12, 1949 to Russell Smith. Marilyn along with Russell went into farming with his father in Randolph, then to Cambria and Lodi. They moved to the Lowville location in 1953 where she remained until March of this year. Marilyn was involved with the daily chores of farming alongside Russell, washed the cows, carried milk, fed calves, and helped with the hay. She also worked outside the farm at the Poynette Canning factory, nights only, to help supplement the farm income.

She was very involved in the community, Homemakers Club, and leader in the local 4-H club, square dancing club, bowling, and later a local card club. A true farm woman and partner. The farm was the place to visit, relatives at times were sent there as a respite from their parents, the hard work and farm life left no time for any other activities. Others were drawn to the farm and the animals. Marilyn was a mother to all. Her greatest gift was her positive attitude and acceptance of all people.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Shirley Smith-Tighe; sons Robert (Sandy) and Jerry Smith (Peggy Jobe); grandchildren Jeremy Smith, Randall Smith, Brandon Smith, Kimberly Gabino-Smith (Sonny), Jodi (Tighe) Kinkaid (Terry); great-grandchildren Owen, Arianna Ortiz, Lillian, Liam Gabino-Smith, Kayla Coons, Madison, Katherine, and Lilly Kinkaid; sisters Carol Kreger and Roseanne Timm; sister-in-law Marjorie Kreger, many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Russell; daughter Sharon; sisters Lorraine Severson, LaVerne Bradley; son-in-law Tim Tighe; great-grandchild Austin McGuire.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, October 3, from 10 AM to 12 Noon at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville. Interment will be held privately at Rocky Run Cemetery in Lowville Township. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn Jean (Froehlich) Smith, please visit our floral store.