Jeanne M. Smith

Jeanne M. Smith, 95, of rural Spring Valley, Minn., died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, of natural causes, at the Harmony Health Care Center where she had been a resident since 2018.

Jeanne Margaret Hanson was born February 16, 1930, in St. Paul, Minn., to Evald and Helen (Thorstad) Hanson. She moved with her family as an infant to Rochester, Minn., where she grew up and attended Rochester High School graduating in 1948. After graduating she was employed with Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Rochester. Jeanne was married on October 6, 1950, at the Homestead United Brethern Church in Rochester to Lauren N. Smith. Following their marriage the couple moved to the Smith Family Farm in Sumner Township, where they farmed, raised their family and continued to make their home for many years. Jeanne was a homemaker and farmwife.  Mr. Smith died on December 30, 2011.

Jeanne was a longtime member of the Sumner Center United Methodist Church serving many UM roles as a youth fellowship counselor, president of UMW and serving on many boards. Jeanne was an excellent cook and  baker, canning many vegetables from her large garden to feed her brood. She enjoyed fishing with family and following her grandchildren’s school and sporting activities.  She loved time spent with her large family.

Jeanne is survived by three daughters and five sons: Rev. Michael Smith of Rotunda West, Fla., Eileen (Ralph) Schansberg of Harmony, Minn., Laurie Davidson of Dora, Mo.,  Bill Smith of Dover, Minn., Judy (Frank) Perry of Coon Rapids, Minn.,  Donald Smith of Spring Valley, Minn.,  Adam Smith (Tracy Nolta) of Chatfield, Minn., and Bradley (Jacalyn) of Spring Valley; many many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Deb Smith of Spring Valley, sister Marilyn Allen of Davenport, Fla., two brothers, Roger Hanson of Stewartville and David Hanson of Grantsburg, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Lauren, her son Stuart, her son-in-law Larry Davidson, her parents,  sister Delores Metcalf and brother Carl Hanson.

The funeral service for Jeanne will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Sumner Center United Methodist Church in rural Stewartville, with Rev. Jon Marburger officiating. Burial will be in Millett Cemetery in Sumner Township. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, Minn,. and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, Minn. Condolences and memories of Jeanne are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.