Marie C. Smith

Daisy "Marie" Olga Christensen Smith was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1922 in Charles City, Iowa to Jacob Theodore Christensen and Kristina Marie (Neilsen) Christensen, both of Denmark. She entered the gates of Heaven on July 20, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 97 years of age. Marie's life journey was a walk of unwavering faith. She fully surrendered her life to the Lord Jesus in August, 1936, devoting herself to prayer and worship. Upon graduation from West High School in Waterloo, IA, she moved to Des Moines to attend Open Bible Institute. God used her rich, alto voice for His glory for weddings, funerals, and radio ministry. After graduation in 1944, she joined her sister in Washington D.C. and worked for the Civil Aeronautics Administration during WWII. On August 15, 1945, VJ Day, after a whirlwind courtship, 23 year-old Marie married her former teacher and pastor, Frank W. Smith. She moved into the parsonage and instantly became pastor's wife, homemaker, and mother to two grieving boys. With on-the-job training, Marie applied her God-given wisdom and common sense to fulfill each role. She created a home filled with joy, laughter, and, especially, music. Together, she and Frank pastored First Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines for over 37 years. A licensed minister, she was actively involved in ministry alongside her husband as song leader, soloist, and inspiration. As Marie would say, her heart's desire was to serve on the mission field; instead, God called her to home missions. After losing Frank in 1997, Marie moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to live near family. She made friends everywhere she went and was selected as the first Ms. Senior Oklahoma in 2006. While she had long been regarded as "the queen", this title forever sealed her regal status. Her physical beauty, classy taste, quick wit, and genuine warmth resulted in quite a fan club. But it was her intimate relationship with Christ that made her irresistible. As one person said, after hearing her read Psalm 139, "Marie knew the Man who wrote the Book." Grandma Ree dished out hugs, kindness, and encouragement wherever she went; she had a gift for making others feel valued. Lifetime passions included being with her children and grandchildren, music, and singing. Even in her hospital bed, she could still carry her share on three-part harmony. In her later days, she took up gardening, making baby blankets, writing poetry and songs; and even learning to play a mean game of dominoes. Marie would encourage us all to live by her life scripture, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto Him. And the God of peace that passeth all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ." Marie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Frank W Smith; stepsons Ronald R. and David E. Smith; grandsons Russell A. and Thomas E. Smith; and her siblings: Raynor Christensen, Marjorie McKee, Theodore Christensen, Henry Christensen, Lillian Parks, and Helen Pryor. In addition to a host of loving relatives and friends, Marie is survived by: Children: Joyce Grimes (Edward) Jan Odom (Phil) Jonathan Smith (Lynne) Grandchildren: Kristina Grimes Pugatch (Jeffrey) Jacob Odom (Allison) Joseph Odom (Cristin) Jonathan Odom (Emily) Jamie Odom Walt (Julius) Ryan Smith (Danielle) Brandon Smith Nathan Smith (Leslee) Ronald Smith Roseanne Martin Yolanda Sevier (Rick) Randy Smith Great Grandchildren: Fiona Pugatch Ella and Jack Odom Harrison and Gianna Odom Libby, Sam, and Gideon Odom Isaiah, Judah, Kenzie, and Hezekiah Smith Josh and Jeana Martin Jessica Smith Rebecca Fuller (Chris) Joel Smith (Lyndsey) Isaac and Magdalene Sevier Angela Cordon (Creed) Tegan Cortes (Erick) Ian Sevier (Stephanie) Cameron, Charissa, and Cayleigh Smith Great, great grandchildren: Declan and Elena Survivors also include daughter-in-law and friend, Jeanie Smith; and Marie's "bonus" family Dan and Sharon Grimes and Danny; Candace Johnson (Kendall), Conley and Kross; Marc Grimes (Crista), Cassidy and Noah. They loved and cared for her as their own, and she loved them. She will be sorely missed by special friend Richard Hicks, who enriched her later life with laughter, friendship, and song, her native language. The family is planning two Celebrations of Life: Tulsa, Oklahoma: Friday, August 16, 2019, 2:00 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church Chapel, 6767 S. Mingo Rd. Des Moines, Iowa: Monday, September 9, 10:30 a.m., First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Ave. Interment will be in Des Moines. Family suggests contributions in Marie's memory to: Open Bible Missions (Des Moines, Iowa) Cornerstone Church (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Love A Child, Inc. (P.O. Box 60063, Ft. Myers, FL. 33906) To God be the glory!

Marie C. Smith

April 16, 1922 - July 20, 2019