Obituary of Anona Helen Smith

    Anona Helen Smith, 94, of Cambridge, formerly of Coon Rapids, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at GracePointe Crossing.

    She was born on May 26, 1924 in Benson, Minnesota to Howard and Lillian (Schair) Reynolds.  The family lived a short time in Benson before moving to downtown Minneapolis.  Anona’s parents owned and operated a restaurant in Minneapolis and Anona worked there until she was a teenager. Later, she worked at the armory, took care of children with special needs and cleaned homes to support her children as they grew.

    Anona later married Fredrick Smith.  They made their home in Coon Rapids and raised four children - Sandra, Daniel, Sherry and Randall.  After raising her children, Anona worked as a caregiver, caring for other people for many, many years.  Because of her, many of her family members still work today as caregivers.

    She enjoyed going on family outings and spending time with her family, especially her great grandchildren.  She loved playing bingo and having coffee with the ladies, and was a collector of many things and had a fondness for Eeyore.

    Anona was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred, daughter Sandra Smith, son Daniel Smith, longtime friend and companion Telo Dietzmann, sisters Patrice and Betty, and brother Jerry.  She is survived by her son Randy Smith of Coon Rapids, daughter Sherry Martin of Coon Rapids, 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sisters Joan Lundquist of Golden Valley and Bev Leber of Buffalo, brother Douglas Reynolds of Minneapolis, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

    Anona’s family will be celebrating her life with friends and family on February 2^nd, 2019, at Christ Lutheran Church located at 641 89^th Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55434. The visitation and gathering starts at 1pm in the main sanctuary, service will be at 2pm and a luncheon to follow.