Florence L. Smith, 80, Cando, N.D., died Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at her residence.

Florence Lillian Lemke was born on July 7, 1929 at North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada to Fred and Olga (Graff) Lemke. She was raised in Canada until her early adolescence then moved to Cando, North Dakota. She graduated from Cando High School. She attended Mayville State Teachers College and taught elementary school in Rock Lake, Rolla, and Great Falls, Montana. She married Ronald Smith December 30, 1951 in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  They moved to Rolla in 1961 to take over Smith Ford while she did the bookkeeping and substitute taught school.  They retired in 1980 and moved to Gold Canyon, Arizona. In 1995 they moved back to Cando.

Florence loved the farm. She always said it was her “strength.” She loved animals and they loved her. She won the “Garden of the Year” several times in Rolla. She was very intelligent and well educated with a very quick wit and a great sense humor. She was an accomplished knitter and pianist, and creative writer. She also loved to read. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Cando.

She is survived by her daughter Melodie Ann Smith of St. Paul, Minn. She was proceeded in death by her husband Ronald B. “Smitty” Smith; one son, Ronald Brian; parents Fred and Olga Lemke; and brother, Fred Lemke.

Service: Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 2:00 PM at United Methodist Church, Cando, North Dakota.

Inurnment:  I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Cando, ND

Online condolences can be sent at: dunnigandix.com

We were so sorry to hear about your mother. She was always
so pleasant and patient. Guess she had to be to keep up with Ronnie, Don,
and Gene.
Susan (Hansen) McMahon

In loving memory of Florence Smith It has already been 2 years since your mother has passed.She was a 1st cousin to me and we lived a distance from each other.

 We,however,often talked on the phone and caught up on the family goings on.We used to call them "visits".

 These "visits"continue to bring back many fond moments.I still miss your mother to this day.

signed "Cousin Bob"

Robert E. Graff