Judith M. Smith

Judith M. Smith, 84, of Stanwood, Iowa, passed away on March 13, 2026, at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospice in Cedar Rapids. Born on March 22, 1941, in Nebraska to Marvin and Marie (Hedick) Vahle, Judy graduated from high school in Wisner, Nebraska. She later lived in Omaha, where she met Neal Smith, the love of her life. They married on September 7, 1963, and moved to the Smith family farm in eastern Iowa, where they established Cedarcrest Farms, raising livestock and building a life together.

Judy had a deep love for the land, animals, and the rhythms of farm life. She was an accomplished gardener with a remarkable green thumb, known for her canning, baking, and filling the freezer with pies. One of her proudest achievements was exhibiting the Reserve Champion Hereford Steer at the 1964 American Royal Open Show, a story she delighted in sharing about walking the steer three miles a day with her Pekingese riding on its back. After moving to Stanwood, she and Neal built a respected cow herd and an impressive flock of Hampshire sheep. She remained a steadfast supporter of young people in agriculture throughout her life. Her beloved Schnauzers were never far from her side, responding to her voice with unmistakable devotion.

Known for her zest for life, Judy lit up every room she entered. She never met a stranger and approached conversations with warmth and playful humor, often pulling legs even when names escaped her. She cherished her friendships in the Lend a Hand circle at St. John’s United Church of Christ and embraced each day with enthusiasm and gentle mischief.

She is survived by her son Craig of Stanwood, her daughter Carmen Smith of Ankeny, and her brother Bob (Jeanette) Vahle of Beemer, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her husband Neal, her parents Marvin and Marie, and her brother Tom Vahle.