Nona Marie Smith

The Lord welcomed Nona Marie (Root) Smith (97) into his loving arms in the promise of everlasting life on February 6,2026. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Born on January 7,1929, in Waseca County, Minnesota to Burchard and Esther (Gehring) Root, she grew up on the family farm on Hound Street with her 12 siblings. Nona was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wilton Township, MN. She was a proud graduate of New Richland High School.

On September 15, 1946, she married her true love, David Gerald Smith. Together they raised six children, while running a farm and sheep shearing /wool buying business.

Nona had an artistic flare, whether it was decorating for every holiday, painting, or pottery. Her love of poetry started while listening to her mother reciting many favorites during the evening dishes. An avid gardener, Nona’s table was adorned with fresh cut flowers. Her pantry was filled with canned pickles and tomatoes, and freezer full of sweet corn.

Family was always at the center of her life. Many days were spent at horse shows, 4- H projects, football games, wrestling matches, and band and choir concerts. Each year Nona and David hosted Christmas for the Roots which packed the farmhouse with laughter, singing around the piano, many home-made candies and a visit from Santa. Her greatest delight was her grand, great and great-great grandchildren.

Nona is survived by her children, Kathy and Thomas Connelly, Rebecca Smith, Jeffrey and Debra Smith, Jana Lee and Gary Ebnet, Robert and Dorine Smith, and daughter-in-law, Patti Smith; her grandchildren, Tia Lilley, Tricia Viegra, Michael (Rachel) Smith, Kristin (Brandon) Gedicke, Kara Smith, Denis and David Connelly, Kate (Zach) VanBeckum, Toni (Michael) Ebnet, Ayla (Seth) Goin, Ariana (Mitchell) Fish, and Burch Smith; great grandchildren, Tarrin (Richelle) Viegra, Mariah Viegra, Ryan and James Lilley, Lauren Smith, Wesley Gedicke, Adeline, Emma and Colton Smith, Francis, Elouise and Morley VanBeckum, and Mara Goin; great great grandchildren, Charlotte, Eli, Marcelo and Mariella Viegra; sister, Thelma Yess; brother, David (Nikki) Root; and many nieces and nephews.

Nona is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David; son, George; granddaughter, Tonia Smith; mother and father; in-laws, Vernon and Anna Mae Smith; brothers, Vern (Bernice), Marvin, William, Donald, Orville (Monica), and Gene Root; sisters, Anita (William) Jewison, Barbara (Duane) Tolzmann, Iola (Adolph) Borchert, and Opal (Charles) Hofius; brother-in-law, Orville Yess; and sisters-in-law, Helen (Glen) Nelson, Margery (Vaughn) Brown, Verna Mae (William) Dixon, Lois (James) Poole, and JoAnn (Marvin) Johnson.

Nona will be remembered by her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her gentle strength, and her nurturing heart. Her legacy lives on in lives she touched and traditions she shared.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in New Richland, with a visitation beginning at 9:30AM prior to the service.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.