Ione Smith

Sherwood

Ione Smith, 89, Sherwood, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at a Bismarck hospital.

Ione Marilyn DesLauriers was born on Jan. 18, 1935, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot, to Arthur and Esther (Walsh) DesLauriers. Ione lived in a happy, loving home near Sherwood and carried treasured memories of her parents and grandparents with her as long as she lived. As a child, she formed what would become lifelong friendships with her sisters, Rose, Carol and Renee; and her brother, Gerald.

Ione was a thoughtful and dedicated student who graduated from Sherwood High School in 1952 before studying education at Minot State Teachers’ College and graduating in 1954. That fall, she started her teaching career in Mohall, where she taught third grade. She also made teaching stops in Plentywood, Mont., Kenmare, and Clay Center.

It was in Mohall, in 1954, where she met Alfred Solemsaas. They enjoyed a romance full of dancing and friends and were married on July 8, 1959, at St. James Catholic Church in Sherwood. Ione and Alfred were devoted to their family, and they enjoyed a special marriage that brought seven children in 10 years.

In these years, Ione was active in her community; she participated in the Mohall Mrs. Jaycee’s, the Mohall Study Club, St. Jerome Christian Mothers, St. James Christian Mothers and the Sherwood American Legion Auxiliary. She was also the CCD Coordinator for St. Jerome and an extraordinary minister for over 20 years at St. James. She also enjoyed teaching her children (and later, grandchildren) and guiding them through 4H projects, musical and athletic endeavors, and academic achievements. Tragically, Alfred died Dec. 30, 1976. A few years later, one of Ione’s sons, Kris, wanted a horse, and Leonard Smith offered one of his. The rest, as they say, was history, and Leonard and Ione were married Aug. 10, 1981. Ione and Leonard enjoyed 36 wonderful years together. Ione’s family, which grew to include 18 grandchildren, became Leonard’s, too. Ione cherished her family, and as she aged, she never missed the chance to celebrate a birthday, graduation, wedding, bridal shower, or baby shower–she treasured every time her family was together. Leonard died April 15, 2017.

A woman of incredible creativity and skill, Ione enjoyed sewing clothing, gifts, and projects of all kinds; cultivating expansive vegetable and flower gardens; and playing and listening to music. Even the birthday cards she’d send–for so many relatives, however distant–were meticulously and artistically handwritten with pristine penmanship and a thoughtful message. Above all, Ione lived a life guided by a strong faith that allowed her to persevere through many challenging times and rejoice through good times; she rooted herself in prayer until the very end. Her kindness, generosity, strength, and thoughtfulness inspired everyone who knew her.

Family: Ione is survived by her seven children, Joan (Kim) Johnson, Yuma, Ariz., Jane (Tracy) Porter, Mandan, Mary (Tony) Duletski, Bowman, Kris Solemsaas, Glenburn, Peter (Vickie) Solemsaas, Taylor, Kay (Dennis) Wanner, Bismarck, and Guy (Wendy) Solemsaas, Sherwood; sisters, Rose Brown and Renee (Don) Fraser; brothers-in-law, Marlen Solemsaas, Galen (Melba) Solemsaas, and Jerry Smith; sisters-in-law, Sharon DesLauriers, Carole Wrolstad, Betty (Vince) Horner, Ruby (Mike) Artz, Helen Smith, and Judy (Ken) Coman; 18 grandchildren, Kory Johnson, Nicole Johnson (Nathan Martinez), and Jackie (Ryan) Maldonado; Jacey (Jacob) Wanner and Erik (Rebecca) Porter; Anne (Kaden) Ficek and Olivia Duletski; Rachel (Preston) Krecklau and Zane Entze; Christian (Nikyla) Wanner, Hailey Wanner, Dayna (Michael) Leidenix, and Isaac, Everett, and Blaise Wanner; Madeline (Dustin) Tohm, Grace (Justin) Lee, and Lilly Solemsaas; and five great-grandchildren, Delia Jane, Vienna Ione and Cosette Patricia Wanner; Alfred John Lee; and Mali Sue Tohm; two great-grandchildren on the way; many cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ione was preceded in death by: Her parents; husbands, Alfred Solemsaas and Leonard Smith; great-grandchild, Dagny Hollis Ficek; sister, Carol (Don) Thompson; brother, Gerald DesLauriers; brothers-in-law, Perry Brown, Ervin Lakefield, Layne (Hazel) Solemsaas, Willis (First wife, Anna) Smith, and Clayton (Norma) Smith; sisters-in-law, Joann (Darrell) Henry, Nancy Solemsaas, Lorine (Richard) Fedje, and Carol Smith.

Funeral: (Please note different locations for Rosary and Funeral) 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, Sherwood.

Burial: Mohall Community Cemetery, Mohall.

Recitation of the Rosary/Prayer Service: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Mohall. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.

Memorials: Memorials preferred to St. James Catholic Church, Sherwood, the Bothun-Peterson American Legion Post #213, both of Sherwood, the Mohall Community Cemetery or Dakota Hope Clinic, Minot.

(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 2, 2024.