Lois was one of the first people to welcome Paul and me when we moved to Cummings and started attending Highland. I will cherish the time I was able to spend with her and am grateful for her friendship! Rest in Peace, Lois!
Lois E. Smith
December 20, 1932 ~ September 20, 2026
Born in: Halstad, Minnesota
Resided in: Hillsboro, North Dakota
Resided in: Hillsboro, North Dakota
Lois Eldean Smith, age 93, of Hillsboro, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Hillsboro Care Center.
Lois was born December 20, 1932, near Halstad, MN, to James and Elsie (Lervold) Enger. At the age of four, she moved with her parents to their farm near Cummings, ND, where she grew up and developed a lifelong love of family, community, and rural life.
Lois attended the Ervin #3 School in rural Cummings and graduated from Halstad Public School in 1950. She continued her education at the University of North Dakota Deaconess School of Nursing in Grand Forks, graduating in 1953 as a Registered Nurse. Nursing was more than a career for Lois—it was a calling. Over the years, she worked at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, Mount Sinai Medical Center in Minneapolis, Hillsboro Hospital, Mayville Nursing Home, and for 20 years as the school nurse at the Hillsboro Migrant School. She concluded her nursing career as a public health nurse for Traill County. Lois especially treasured the friendships she made during her nursing years and enjoyed attending nursing class reunions with her close friends.
On September 25, 1954, Lois married the love of her life, Norris Smith. Together, they built their life and raised their family on their farm near Cummings. Lois was an active member of her church and community, serving at Highland Lutheran Church and as a 4-H leader for many years. She was devoted to her family and took great pride in the life she and Norris created together.
Following Norris’s death, Lois moved to Hillsboro in 2005. She embraced her new community and enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. Saturday morning coffee with friends, bingo and cards at the Senior Center, high school reunions in Halstad, and a good game of Parcheesi were among her favorite pastimes. She was always ready for a little friendly competition.
Lois loved being surrounded by family and friends, especially during the holidays. Her home was always beautifully decorated for the seasons, reflecting her love of making others feel welcome. Some of her most treasured memories were made with her grandchildren on the farm and during the annual family camping trips to Vagabond Village near Park Rapids, MN. Above all, Lois cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
Lois is survived by her children, Kristi (Mark) Jensen of Reynolds, ND; Mark (Deb) Smith of Rochester, MN; and Craig (Nancy) Smith of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Ryan Jensen, Shauna (Cody) Rollings, Marie (Bryan Watson) Smith, Amanda (Alex) Ball, Adam (Danna) Smith, and Austin (Sarah) Smith; Toni Vilandre and Kelsi Vilandre; great-grandchildren, Corbin Jensen, Evalynn Rollings, Jayden Allen, Llewyn Smith, Mae Smith, Braelyn Smith, and Brynlyn Smith, with another great-granddaughter expected in December; sister-in-law, Sharon Enger; and many nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norris; her parents, James and Elsie Enger; her sister, Margie (Gene) Krause; her brother, John Enger; her parents-in-law, Christ and Gertie Smith; and brothers-in-law, Charles Smith and Lyle Smith.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Hillsboro Care Center and HIA Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and friendship they provided to Lois.
Memorials: Highland Cemetery Association, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, or charity of your choice.
Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, in Hillsboro, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Burial: Highland Lutheran Cemetery, rural Cummings, ND
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Chapel in Hillsboro, ND. To view a livestream of the funeral service, or to sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Services
Funeral Service : Monday, September 28, 2026 1:00 pm
Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro
204 East Caledonia Avenue
Hillsboro, ND 58045
(701) 636-5701
http://oslchillsboro.com/
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2026-09-28 13:00:00
2026-09-28 13:00:00
LoisE.SmithFuneral Service
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204 East Caledonia Avenue,Hillsboro, ND 58045
Visitation: Monday, September 28, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro
204 East Caledonia Avenue
Hillsboro, ND 58045
(701) 636-5701
http://oslchillsboro.com/
Add to My Calendar
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2026-09-28 12:00:00
2026-09-28 01:00:00
LoisE.SmithVisitation
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204 East Caledonia Avenue,Hillsboro, ND 58045
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