Gladys M. Smith, 89

Gladys M. Smith, age 89, of Zumbrota, died on Thursday, Dec. 15 (Smitty's birthday), at the Zumbrota Care Center.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Zumbrota with Pastor Julie Beck officiating. Burial will be in Zumbrota Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec.18, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home - Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and on Monday 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Gladys Marie Nesbit was born on Dec. 29, 1921, in rural Preston, Minn., to William and Frances (nee Barber) Nesbit. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1940. On May 11, 1946, she married Laurence "Smitty" Smith. Glady lived in Lewiston, and during World War II, she lived in Oakland, Calif., and worked as a switchboard operator in the shipyards. Glady also worked at Harold's Studio in Winona coloring pictures and in Austin, Minn., for a short time before they moved to Zumbrota in 1947. Smitty and Glady purchased the dry cleaning shop in 1947 and worked side-by-side until Smitty died in 1972. Glady continued to run the dry cleaning business until she retired in 2006.

Glady was known as a lady of grace and humor and was known for being quick-witted. Glady was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, where she was a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Stary-Yerka VFW Post #5727 Auxiliary and a den mother and Brownie leader in her younger years. Glady enjoyed working at Banitt's Store and Lochners part time while still running the dry cleaners. She also enjoyed attending sporting events, watching sports on TV, and fishing.

Glady is survived by son, Larry (Bonnie) Smith of Rochester; daughter, Teri (Steve) Paulson of Zumbrota; granddaughter, Mindi (Nate) Arendt of Mazeppa; grandson, Trevor (Stacey) Paulson of Waconia; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Jakalyn, Zakary, and Bakster Arendt and Tessa and Kora Paulson; brother-in-law, Ron Banitt; sister-in-law, Donna Baumbach; step-grandson, Scott (Jenny) Biers and many nieces and nephews.

Glady was preceded in death by her husband; parents; seven sisters; and one brother.

The family prefers memorials to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Zumbrota.

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