Obituary of Grace Elaine Smith

Grace Elaine Smith

Grace Smith, beloved wife of Loyd, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother succumbed to cancer on January 5, 2022 in Tucson, AZ. She was a friend to all she met, and was dedicated to the various churches she attended throughout her life. Grace was a beautiful Christian who lived her faith and personal relationship with her Savior.

Grace was born on July 16, 1943 in Evergreen Park, Illinois to Everett & Gladys Cooper. She had two brothers and a sister who proceeded her in death. She married Stan Vos and had three children, Karen (Randy) Faber, Richard (Cindy) Vos and Todd (Susan) Vos. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

On January 21, 1995, Grace married Loyd Allen Smith who added five additional children to her loving arms. Cheryl (Bill) Curtis, LaVonne Appels, Barbara ( John) Gorter, Dale (Cindy) Smith, and Jerry (Teresa) Smith. This union added fourteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

During the early years of their marriage, Loyd & Grace traveled thru 49 states and all but 2 of the Canadian provinces in their Motorhome. They frequently said those were the best years of their life, and they enjoyed seeing the beautiful country and wildlife, as well as meeting many new friends.

Grace was a homemaker whose love language was cooking and she was an exceptional baker. She also was very involved with church choirs and enjoyed singing & listening to music. For the last ten years they made their home in Vail, Arizona. They spent a lot of time holding hands, sitting in the recliners on the screened in porch. They loved feeding and watching the birds and various wild life in the backyard.

                                                                If Tomorrow Starts Without  Me

                                            If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see,

                                       If the sun should rise you find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

                                           I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

                                           While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

                                           I know how much you love me, as much as I love you

                                   And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

                                  But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand,

                                That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.

                                           He said my place was ready, in heaven far above

                                        And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

                                        But as I turned and walked away a tear fell from my eye.

                                           For all my life I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

                                             I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do.

                                          It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

                                 I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad.

                                 I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

                                           If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,

                                    I'd say goodbye and kiss youand maybe see you smile.

                                           But then I fully realized that this could never be,

                                   For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

                                When I thought of wordly things I might miss come tomorrow

                                I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.

                                   When I walked through heavens gates I felt so much at home.

                               God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne

                                           He said, " This is eternity and all I've promised you"

                                  Today your life on earth  has passed but here life starts anew.

                                         I promise no tomorrow, but today will aways last

                             And since each day is the same there's no longing for the past.

                                          You have been so faithfulso trusting and so true.

                  Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

                                          You have been forgiven and now at last your free.

                      So won't you comeand take my hand and share my life with me?

                      So when tomorrow starts with out me don't think we're far apart,

                          For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

                                                    Author : David Romano

A celebration of Grace’s life will be held at Sahuaro Baptist Church, 10361 E Old Spanish Trail @ Houghton, on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Josephs Indian School would be appreciated. P.O. Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326 www.stjo.org 1-800-341-2235