Obituary of Zelma Maxine Smith

Zelma M. Smith Zelma went home to be with her Savior on Tuesday afternoon, August 29, 2017, at Accura Health Care of Newton East, under the care of Hospice. A time of remembrance and celebration of life will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2017, at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, and as an expression of sympathy, memorials may be designated to Metz Community Church, Mercy Hospice or to Maxine's family, in her name. Zelma Maxine Smith, 94, was born November 17, 1922, near Mediapolis, Iowa, the daughter of Charles William and Mary Etta (Bandy) Piper. She was a graduate of the Mediapolis High School, Class of 1940. On August 5, 1943, Maxine was united in marriage to John David Smith in Burlington, moving to the Newton area in 1953. She was employed by the Vernon Company, retiring as a Silkscreen operator in 1984, after 26 years of service. Maxine devoted her life to and enjoyed her family; and was a member of the Metz Community Church and U.A.W. Retires Union #997. Maxine is survived by her daughters: Connie (Daryl) Morrison of Grinnell, Brenda (Jeff) Vaverka of Grinnell; her sons: Kenneth (Carol) Smith of Mission, Texas and Brian (Sue) Smith of Oskaloosa; her daughters-in-law: Belinda Jean Beller of Denver, Colorado and Rhonda Smith of Chino Valley, Arizona; her thirteen grandchildren, twenty six great-grandchildren and sixteen great-great grandchildren; her brother Walter Piper of Mediapolis; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband John; her sons: William Smith and Danny Smith; a grandson Jeremy; a great-grandson Damon; her sister Wanda; and brothers: Glenn Piper and Harlan Piper, both in infancy and Lloyd Piper.