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Idelle (Fletcher) Smith, 93, of Longville, passed away August 26, 2013 in her home with her husband and family present. Idelle was born August 18, 1920 to Charles H. and Mable L. (Metzer) Fletcher in Remer Minnesota, and grew up in Lima Township. She attended the Sjodin country school and Remer High School, graduating in 1938. Following graduation she moved to New Jersey and worked at various jobs. Idelle met Frederick T Smith there in 1942 while he was on survivors leave for the Navy and they were united in marriage on June 30, 1943, at the Navy Family Chapel in Long Beach, California. For the first 20 years of their married life she was a Navy Wife moving from Long Beach, Calif., to Remer, Titusville, N.J., Argentia, Newfoundland, Vallejo, Calif., and Ewa Beach, Hawaii. After Fred's retirement from the Navy in 1961, they returned to Minnesota to live in St. Cloud, Little Falls, then finally, in 1976 moved to their home "Roots Down" on Broadwater Bay on Woman Lake. For 59 of her 70 years of marriage she has had her husband, son, grandsons or adopted grandchildren in the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Air Force.

As a stay at home mom and "Navy wife",Idelle was always able to make a house a home. She enjoyed cake decorating and quilting and made many baby quilts which found their way to homes around the world. Idelle never had an enemy and never found fault with others. She will be remembered as Fred's "bride," and a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She had a way of keeping the family connected and her presence will be missed.

Idelle was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Douglas, Clifford and Duane Fletcher, and great-grandson, Zachariah Smith.

She is survived by her husband Frederick, daughter Judy K. Phillips, sons Robert Allen and Frederick T. Smith II. Grandchildren Ryan (Loretta) Phillips and Danielle Phillips, Wayne (Jennifer) Smith and Nicole Smith. Adopted grandchildren Kendal (Alissa), Kyle (Flora) and Katelyn Tschida and 12 great-grandchildren, and "Other daughter" Patricia and Rich Miller.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Longville Community Church with Pastor Duane Brown officiating.

Memorials are preferred to the Good Samaritan Hospice or the Salvation Army.

The Dennis Funeral Home of Longville assisted the family in making service arrangments. Share on-line condolences at www.dennisfuneralhome.com

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