Minnie May Smith

Minnie May Benson Smith, 81, of Marietta, Ohio, died on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Wyngate Senior Assisted Living in Parkersburg, WV. She was born on May 20, 1942 in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Virgil E. and Grace V. Gillaspie Benson.

Minnie was the Valedictorian of the 1960 class of Blakesburg High School. She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, the Catholic Women’s Club, Scenic River Quilters and life member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Minnie volunteered at Campus Martius Museum for over 20 years, loved quilting, painting, and was a portrait artist. She was known for her wicked sense of humor and sharp tongue and was loved by all that met her.

She is survived by three children, Phil Smith (Dorothy), Paul Smith (Susan) and Audrea Lehman (Scott); eight grandchildren, Claire Smith, Kaitlynn Ashby (Dan), Hannah Jarman (Tanner), Alec Smith, Adeline Smith, Sam Lehman, Mary Kate Lehman and Rachel Lehman; one great grandson, Zander Ashby; sister, Marlene Holsteen (Keith); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ronald Lee Smith, whom she married on August 5, 1961.

Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Lowell, with the Rev. David Gaydosik celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MARIETTA CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, 90 Mt. Tom Rd., Marietta, Ohio or to the Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750.    Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve Minnie’s family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting their website, www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.