Obituary of Lois I. Smith

Lois I. Smith

April 23, 1930 - January 27, 2022

Uff Da

Used to express bafflement, surprise, relief, exhaustion, or dismay, a placeholder for many common obscenities. Often a marker of Scandinavian heritage.       Norwegian

   We lost the matriarch of our family, Lois Smith, on January 27, 2022. Lois was born on April 23, 1930 to Jacob and Laura (Ronningen) Peterson on the family farm west of Carpio, Ward County, North Dakota. She was the sixth child of nine. Lois graduated from Hartland High School in 1948. Lois went on to earn her teaching certificate from Minot Teachers College. She taught primary school from 1950 - 1954 in Antler, North Dakota.

Lois met Glenn Lewis Smith in Antler, North Dakota. He said she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. When asked if it was love at first sight she lovingly said, "It was for him." They were married 5 months later on February 23, 1951 in Mohall, North Dakota. In 1961, with four kids in tow, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where their family continued to grow.

Those who knew Lois, know that family was the most important thing to her, and everyone was considered family! At family gatherings we remember her lovingly saying "look what Laura started", we have endearingly coined the phrase - "Look what Lois started". Mom raised us in the same loving way that she was raised. She found room in her heart to foster children, babysit, teach catechism, and welcome every neighborhood kid into her home. Mom's heart had no limits. 

Above all Lois was a loving wife and dedicated mother and grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. To all of us she was our educator, caregiver, counselor, spiritual advisor, cheerleader and so much more. She kept us busy with school activities, horseback riding, gymkhanas, and 4-H. In her later years, Lois and Glenn got involved in square dancing and belonged to the Square Nuts. 

Through the generations, the traditions will remain, Easter egg hunts, Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas celebrations. Christ played a major role in her life, and it showed in her actions, she was a living example to all around her.

From the moment she was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, she refused to let it define or control her, she fought it to the very end. Where many would have given up, she remained strong. Through her, we learned what resilience and perseverance truly looked like.

Lois will forever be remembered for her home cooking, decadent desserts, strong opinions, quick wit, strong loyalty, candid advice, love of reading, discussion of politics, and ability to make everyone around her feel important. After all, who could ever forget her?

Mom we will always be looking for you in the next pink alert, the chirps of the birds, and when the flowers bloom. You are always in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Mom was predeceased by her parents; Laura and Jacob Peterson, her siblings; Fritz, Harold, Gladys, Lloyd, Marvin, Donny, Marilyn, and Jack and her son; Richard. 

Mom is survived by her husband of 70 years, Glenn and their seven children; Mike Smith, Marcie Smith (Manny), Teresa Stamey (Rob), Tami Swindler (Jim), Rhonda Jacelon (Tony), Randy Smith (Jennifer), and Lisa Reinert (Mike). She also has 26 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. All of them she loved and touched deeply.

Arrangements are being handled by All Veterans Funeral and Cremation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Celebration of Life will be at 1:00PM, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Church on the Ranch, 2685 Jeannine Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

Reception immediately to follow at 8242 Cessna Dr. Peyton, CO 80831.

Interment will be at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.