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 flower. 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, Arianna (Mitchell) Fish, Burch Smith. Great grandchildren; Tarrin (Richelle) Viegra, Mariah Viegra, Ryan and James Lilley, Lauren Smith, Adeline, Emma and Colton Smith, Francis, Elouise and Morley VanBeckum, Mara Goin. And Great-Great Grandchildren; Charlotte, Eli, Marcelo and Mariella Viegra. A sister, Thelma Yess, a brother David (Nikki) Root and many nieces and nephews.

Nona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David, son George, granddaughter Tonia, mother and father; Burchard and Esther Root, in-laws; Vernon and Anna Mae Smith, brothers; Vern (Bernice) Marvin, William, Donald, Orville (Monica)and Gene Root. Sisters; Anita (William) Jewison, Barbara (Duane), Iola (Adolph) Borchert, Opal (Chuck) Hofius, and brother-in-law Ibb Yess.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11 AM on Tuesday, February 24th, at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, 16650 250th Ave, New Richland, 56072. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 11 AM, officiated by Pastor Dan Kordahl. Interment at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery to follow service.

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.