Frances Eva Smith of Sioux Falls, SD, a former longtime resident of Alpena, SD, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the age of 103 with her family by her side at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community in Sioux Falls, SD.

Her funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Congregational United Church of Christ in Huron, SD, with burial at Rest Haven Cemetery in Alpena, followed by a reception at the Alpena Community Center.

Her visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to SDSU Alumni Association or a charity of your choice.

Frances Eva Coulson was born on November 26, 1912 in Erwin, SD to Albert A. and Myrtle (Schenck) Coulson, the oldest of four children.

Frances' early years were spent growing up in the Erwin/De Smet areas, having fond memories of life and adventures on the Coulson family farm/homestead.  Her family later moved to Volga and then Lake Preston, where her father was Superintendent of Schools.  Upon graduation from Lake Preston High School in 1930, Frances went on to attend South Dakota State College, now SDSU, in Brookings during the "Great Depression" and "Dust Bowl" years, working on campus to pay for her room and board.  While in college, she was a member of the Girls College Concert and Marching Band.

After graduation for SDSC in 1935 with a degree in Home Economics and Music, she began her teaching career in Lane, SD, where she taught Home Economics and Band.  In 1937, Frances began teaching at Alpena High School and it was here that she met her future husband, Renold C. (Slim) Smith.

Frances and Renold were married on June 21, 1939 at her parents' home in Lake Preston.  They made their home in Alpena, where Renold operated the Mason Smith & Sons Elevators and they raised their family of five children.  Frances resumed her teaching career in 1959, retiring in 1981 after 25 years as a teacher at Alpena.  Through her many years of teaching, Frances taught hundreds of students, who considered her a beloved and inspirational teacher.  Frances moved to Huron in 1997 and then on to the Trail Ridge Retirement Community in Sioux Falls in 1999, where she enjoyed an active retirement lifestyle and made numerous friends.

Frances was a long time member of Alpena Methodist Church, where she was involved in various Women's Fellowship groups and clubs.  She was also a member of Congregational United Church of Christ in Huron and First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls.

Frances was a strong, compassionate and fiercely independent woman; a devoted and loving wife and mother and a cherished grandmother.  She took enormous pride in her family, providing them with unconditional love, support and words of wisdom and encouragement; taking great pride in all of their accomplishments.

Frances was an accomplished cook and talented seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for herself and others.  Through her love of knitting, crocheting and embroidery, she created numerous beautiful keepsakes, much loved and treasured by her children and grandchildren.  She also enjoyed gardening, music and just spending time visiting with family and friends.  Frances will forever be remembered by all who knew her and loved her for her dignity, patience, kindness and love for her family.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Lovett, Portland, OR; her children, Alan and Bette Smith, College Station, TX, Carol and Robert Norton, Maple Valley, WA, Donald and Cheryl Smith, Woonsocket, SD, and David Smith, Sioux Falls, SD; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Renold in 1977; son, Ronald in 2014, brother, Merle Coulson; and sister, Charlotte Hagen.

Her family would like to give a special thanks to Trail Ridge Retirement Community and to all the care givers at Avera Dougherty Hospice House and Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls for all of their loving care.