Mardell Ann Smith
courtesy photo
Mardell Smith
RONAN – Mardell Ann Smith, “Gramma Dell” went to be with her King early Sunday morning Aug. 30, 2015. Gramma Dell was born to Wayne and Melva Snyder, the ninth of 14 children, on Nov. 12, 1947. She was raised on the family farm east of Ronan. At age 16, she married Denny Gasser and had two children, Shane and Lena. They later divorced and on Dec. 10, 1976, she married the love of her life, Ralph Smith. Ralph had four children of his own: Terri, Bill, Alisa and Swan.
A beautiful and loving woman, she was a best friend to many, especially her kids and grandkids. She loved God, her country, and her family. Her strong Christian faith spanned her entire life and she made sure that all who knew her were aware of her relationship with God. Thanks to her and Grandpa, Christ has been an important part of the lives of their children and grandchildren. She loved the old hymns and any music the Gaithers recorded. She often talked about memories of life on the farm with her parents, 13 siblings and her many aunts and uncles.
She was her families’ biggest fan. Often spotted at sporting events in orange and black attire yelling her unique “whoo, whoo, whoo” fist pump. In the fall of 2012 she followed her grandson, Carston and the Ronan Chiefs from one end of the state to the other. Her first great-grandchild, Kadynce, was born in 2006. She loved the daylong shopping trips with the girls in Missoula and went every chance she could. She also loved visiting Shane in St. Louis, San Diego, and Eureka Springs.
Gramma Dell’s husband, Ralph Smith; daughter, Lena (Wes) Baertsch; son, Shane (Kent) Gasser; daughter, Terri (Brett) Cordier; son, Bill (Mandy) Smith; daughter, Alisa Smith; son Swan Smith; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren survive her.
Grama Dell’s parents Wayne and Melva Snyder; sisters, Faye Jore and Rosie Eggebrecht; brothers, Eldon Snyder and Norman Snyder; and granddaughter Cassandra Smith precede her in death.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Ronan Community Center. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to “Relay for Life.”
