Stella B. Smith, 1929-2021
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Feb 24, 2021 | 9:20 AM / 413 views
Stella B. Smith, 92, Selby, SD, died Friday, February 19, 2021 at the Walworth County Care Center, Selby.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, February 26, 2021 at Selby United Methodist church led by Pastor Darla Hadrick. Congregational hymns will be “In the Garden” and “How Great Thou Art”. Interment follows at Selby Memorial Gardens.
Visitation commences 9:00 AM Friday at the Church.
Stella Blankholm Sorensen, daughter of Nora (Blankholm) and Peder Sorensen, was born April 14, 1928 at Copenhagen, Denmark. She was brought up and received her formal education in Copenhagen. Stella married Paul Smith on April 27, 1946 in Copenhagen. Paul was honorably discharged from the US Army in June 1946 and later that year Stella, along with other war brides, arrived in New York City by boat. The couple settled at Paul’s homeplace just west of Selby. They owned and operated their business, a meat market named Smith’s Red Barn, until 1989. Stella then worked as an aide at the Selby Good Samaritan Center and later as a secretary at her daughter Deb’s business, Shorty’s One Stop. Stella worked well into her eighties. Paul died January 16, 2015 and Stella lived in Selby the rest of her life. She was a member of the Selby United Methodist Church, Royal Neighbors of America, and the Selby Community Club. She also belonged to the Selby Jaycees and was among the founding members of May Acres Country Club in Selby. Although Stella enjoyed crocheting, golf was her favorite hobby.
Stella is survived by two sons, Clyde Smith of Royal City, WA and Randy (Debra) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; two daughters, Sheila (Doug) Cain of Rapid City, SD and Deborah (Scott Schilling) Berens of Selby; 10 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great grandchildren.
In addition to Paul, Stella was preceded in death by her father, Peder; her mother, Nora; a baby son; one granddaughter; three sisters (Kama, Reta, Mille); and three brothers (Oa, Erenst, Egon).
Honorary bearer will be Stella’s close friend, Donna Glerup of Selby and great-granddaughter, Kayla Hahne of Aberdeen, SD.
Casketbearers will be Dave Smith, Paul James Smith, Bradi Smith, and Isabella Smith of Selby; and Cameron Harms and Kennedy Bunkers of Sioux Falls.
Stella’s funeral will be livestreamed on the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page and be available Sunday night at this website.
Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.