Lois E. Smith, 98, formerly of Grand Island, died Monday, September 26, 2016, at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Friday, September 30, 2016, at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm on Friday until service time. Following the service Lois will be cremated and burial will be at a later date at Parker, SD. Memorial may be given to the family for later designation.

Lois was born on November 14, 1917, in Parker, SD to Claude and Clara (Shulenberger) Purcell. She grew up in Parker and received her education there. Lois and Russell grew up and attended school together in Parker.

On January 19, 1943, she was united in marriage to Russell Smith in Parker.  After which the couple lived in Valentine, O'Neill, Long Pine, and Wausa. In 1963, they moved to Grand Island, and later moved to Hartington and Orleans. They enjoyed five winters in Texas where they picked up many seashells.  After Russell's death in 2007, Lois moved to Grand Island and most recently was in Wood River.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, baking, and making sure the coffee pot was always on. She also would help Russell with his wood working projects. Some of her greatest joys were making May baskets, popcorn balls, and omelets for the grandkids.

Survivors include daughters: Mary Ann (Tom) Backus of St. Paul, NE, Jo (Bob) Braun of Grand Island; four grandchildren: Korlynn and the late John Trussell, Kirk (Robin) Backus, Andrea (Robert) Streeter, Michael Dietz; five great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren;  brother: Claude (Tom) Purcell, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, and sister: Miriam Davidson of Rapid City, SD; and nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by husband: Russell; son: Ray Allen; brother: Charles Purcell; sister: Maxine Hofmester, two nieces, and two nephews.