Mildred Lenora (Hurtig) Smith, formerly of rural Delphos, born June 11 1914 to Joseph and Matilda Hurtig, died August 6, 2009 at the Ottawa County Health Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Burton (2001), to whom she was wed November 10, 1936, and her sons Roger (1970) and Edsel (1995). She is survived by her daughter Mary Karen and husband Robert Gosselink, three grandsons Dirk, Scott and wife Daniela and Kenneth and wife Denise, and four great-granddaughters Aja, Mya, Marina and Chloe, and two step-great-granddaughters, Cristina and Roxanna.

Early in life Mildred hoped to be a nurse, but that education was not possible in lean times; however, with the birth of a disabled child, she used her natural nursing skills as a loving, caring mother. She enjoyed making quilts, other needlework and reading. Whenever possible she enjoyed the role of helpmate to Burton with the tasks of farming. She loved anything that grows and her garden became her refuge when depression and failing eyesight kept her from other activities. She was proud of a myriad of flower awards at the Ottawa County Fair, including many Best of Show; on her 90th birthday her family established the Mildred Lenora Smith Overall Best of Show Award in her honor. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Delphos and enjoyed the long time friendships of the Sunshine Social Club.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Tues., August 25, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Delphos, interment following at the Delphos Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 PM Mon.,Aug. 24 with the family present from 4-7 PM at the Wilson Shields Funeral Home, Minneapolis.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Ottawa County Health Center Long Term Care Activities Department or a charity of your choice.