Colleen Frances Smith

Colleen Frances Smith, the daughter of Gerald Hiram and Golda Pearl Hupp Faulkner, was born July 11, 1931 in Spencer, Iowa just two weeks after the great Spencer Fire. She was raised and attended school in Spencer, Colleen quit school but worked and earned her GED in the early 80's. On December 1, 1949, Colleen married Earl Leroy Quist in Jackson, MN. Following their marriage, Earl worked for various farmers in the Webb and Everly area, usually living in the tenant house. In the early 50's they moved to the Spencer area, and in 1955, Earl started working at the Spencer Pack. From their marriage they had three children: Bill, Roger and Nancy. In 1964, they accepted into their home 2 more children, Jerry & Tammy. Colleen was a dedicated homemaker and mom who also loved camping, dancing, gardening and collecting things like dishes, birds, bears and dolls. Colleen was most contented when she was working around the house and caring for her family. In the late 60's, she began working outside the home at various jobs including the Spencer Schools, where she was a custodian and bus driver. On July 19, 1973, her first husband, Earl passed away. In 1975, very special family friend's, Don and Lil Stone introduced Colleen to Meryl Smith. Colleen and Meryl were united in marriage on August 16, 1975. Meryl, a mail carrier in the Webb area, had four adult children: Sandy, Joyce, Donna and Connie. Which made a family of 9 children, and resulted in 31 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Meryl is known by all to be one of the kindest men you will ever meet. During their marriage they loved spending time with their family. They also loved to camp, loved to go boating and enjoyed taking care of their home. Meryl probably taught 100 kids to ski behind his boat. In 1987, Meryl retired, they then traveled extensively, usually camping. They spent several winters in the Phoenix area. They also made several trips overseas. Thankfully Colleen loved taking pictures so they have hundreds of pictures. In October of 2007, Colleen discovered a cancerous brain tumor. Colleen faced this with her usual optimism and determination. Once again inspiring her family and friends. On May 25, 2009, Colleen passed away with Meryl by her side and surrounded by all of her kids and at peace with the world. She will be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents; her 1st husband, Earl; brothers: Warren, Darrel and Joe and granddaughter, Shalya. Colleen is survived by her husband, Meryl of Spencer; her children: Bill Quist (Marilyn) of Kanawha, IA, Roger Quist (Belen) of Tomball, TX, Nancy Smith (Gail) of Spencer, IA, Jerry Faulkner (Ciel) of Spencer, IA and Tamra Sue Nighswonger of Spencer, IA; step children: Sandra Stone of Cedar Falls, IA, Joyce Bailey (Floyd) of Laurens, IA, Donna Drake (Joe) of Des Moines, IA and Connie Seaman (Greg) of Dickens, IA; 31 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; sisters: Bessie Orlando, Macomb, MI and Marge Quist of Spencer, IA; brother, Floyd Faulkner (Wilma) of Spencer, IA; other relatives and friends.

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OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

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INTERMENT