Mrs. Thelma Jane Smith Obituary (1920 - 2020)

Thelma Jane Curry Smith passed away on February 6, 2020. She lived to be 100yrs and 1mo. old. Thelma was born January 6, 1920, to Fred and Minnie (Burnett) Curry on a farm in Runnells. She helped her parents on the farm as well as many in the area. She worked very hard during her younger years. Ben and Thelma were married August 11, 1939. To this union two children were born, Fredrick and Susan Marie. They lived in Mitchellville, Iowa most of their lives where Ben built their home. Thelma worked for Dee Johnson at Johnson's Hardware for many years. Ben and Thelma bought the variety store in 1964 and renamed it Smith Variety. Thelma was very active in the Christian Church. She was also very active in the community. They retired and sold the store in 1985. After Ben passed away, Thelma moved to Carlise. She then moved into the Carlisle care center. She spent her last years in the Fleur Heights care center in Des Moines. Preceding her in death are parents Fred and Minnie Curry; husband Gelon Benjamin; daughter Susan Marie; grandson -in-law Brett Smith; brothers Ben, Don, Glen and Fred Ray; sisters June Hayes, Florence Goldsberry and Betty DeMoss. Thelma is survived by her son Fredrick(Mary) of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren Patricia Smith of Rock Hill, SC; Debbie(Tim) Miller of Apache Junction, Az; Julie Mulbrook of Hope, Idaho, seven great grandchildren, 24 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 1 pm to 2pm on Saturday, February 22 at Peterson's Funeral Home in Carlisle, Ia. Funeral will be at 2pm. Interment will be in Lowman Cemetery in Runnells, Iowa.