Lois Smith

   Lois Smith, 93, died peacefully at home in Bismarck.

   Lois Joan (Sorenson) Anderson Smith was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Archie and Hazel (Kvenvold) Sorenson in early December of 1931, the second of four children. She grew up in Albert Lea where her parents worked in local businesses and her father had a men’s clothing store. Upon graduation she went to Winona State Teachers College and taught 3rd and 4th grades in Worthington, Minnesota for one year.

   She met Myron Anderson from Alexandria, Minnesota through friends and they were married on June 8, 1952 in Albert Lea. They lived in Minneapolis, California and Minot before settling in Fargo in 1960. They were blessed with three children Karla, Eugene and Gary. She worked at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo. Myron died in 1979 and she continued to live in Fargo until she met and married Zephon Smith of Buffalo, ND in December of 1980. Zephon died in October 1987 and Lois continued to live in Buffalo until late 2019 when health issues moved her to Fargo to be closer to doctors and family. She lived with her sons as they cared for her.

   Lois made an impact in Buffalo at the Buffalo Library and as a member of the Buffalo Historical Society. She was skilled at writing grants to help fund projects and was always there to help get things going. She became a Master Gardener in 1980 and enjoyed gardening year-round. At Buffalo Lutheran Church she was a quilter and member of the women’s organizations. She served as secretary and treasurer for several years. It was convenient to live right next to the church.

   She spent her later years staying with her two sons and a half year at Pioneer House Fargo.

   Lois is survived by her sons Eugene (Julie) Anderson and Gary (Elizabeth) Anderson. Her grandchildren are Steven (Rob) Palmer, Melisa Stewart, Charlene (Luke) Sabin, KayLee Anderson, Trent (Shannon) Anderson, Ryan Anderson and David Anderson, along with nine great-grandchildren and siblings Delores, Dale and Karen. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Myron Anderson and Zephon Smith and daughter Karla Young.

   In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations are preferred to the Buffalo Historical Society.

Visitation:   Friday, April 4, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Buffalo Lutheran Church, Buffalo, ND.

Funeral Service: Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Buffalo Lutheran Church, Buffalo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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