Margie Smith

Margie Smith, 96, of Salem, IA, died Monday, July 28, 2014, at 1:00 a.m. at the Burlington Care Center. Friends may sign the register during normal business hours until 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at the Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2014 at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel with Pastor Deb Savage, of the Grace Friends Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Salem East Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Lewelling Quaker Museum and Salem Friends Church. Born August 13, 1917 in Henry County, IA, Margie Viola was the daughter of Albert and Florence Harmeson McDowell. She attended school in rural Salem, IA, and later completed her education at the school in Salem. On November 30, 1939, she married Dale Smith in Salem. He preceded her in death on November 17, 1993. A lifelong resident of Salem, Margie was a homemaker. She spent a great deal of time helping her brothers and sisters raise their children. Known as a master gardener, Margie's large garden contained a vast number of onions and tomato plants among many other vegetables. Her favorite pastime was to go fishing with her husband, Dale. Margie was a member of the Salem Friends Church. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews; and a very special friend and neighbor, Faye Heartsill. Preceding Margie in death are her parents; her husband, Dale Smith; four brothers, Earn McDowell, Leo McDowell, Loren "Dutch" McDowell and Orville McDowell; and five sisters, Lona Long, Birdie Barton, Pearl Watson, Clara Triska-Farr and Violet Elmore.