ADDIE MAE SMITH


Addie Mae (Pittam) Smith was born May 16, 1930 at 200 W. Grant in Clarinda, IA and died October 2, 2010 at Des Moines, IA at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 16 days. Her parents were James Samuel Pittam and Fae Geraldine Bishop. Two years later her sister, Virginia Lea was born. When she was five, the family moved to College Springs where Addie Mae went to 1st and 2nd grades. The family then moved to a farm in the Farquhar School District where she attended 3rd through 6th grades. Farquhar School closed so she then rode into College Springs in a Model A for 7th and 8th grade. In March of that same year, they moved to a farm north of Clarinda. She went to Fulton Country School and graduated from 8th grade. Addie Mae graduated from Clarinda High School in 1947. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and graduated with a music degree in 1951. Her first teaching job was in New Providence, IA.

On June 7, 1952, Addie Mae married Johnny Smith of Cedar Falls at the Rose Hill country church. In September 1952, Johnny taught in Jamaica, IA and Addie Mae was in Linden teaching vocal and instrumental music. Johnny was drafted in October 1952 and for the next two years he served in the Army overseas in Germany. After four years, the couple wanted to be closer to Addie Mae's mom to help out on the farm. In 1957, they moved to Bedford where Johnny and Addie Mae taught. After the school consolidation, Addie Mae taught in Bedford, Blockton, and Gravity. They were in Kellerton one year with Johnny as Superintendent and then moved back to Bedford in 1966 where Johnny was a Superintendent and Addie Mae taught elementary music. In 1971, the family moved to Oakland where Johnny was Superintendent and Addie Mae had planned to stay at home with the children. However, the elementary music teacher left before school started, so Addie Mae began teaching elementary music again. She continued teaching junior high band, high school chorus and ended up with elementary music, retiring in 1992.


Addie Mae is survived by her five children and their families: Her son James and wife June and their children: Joshua and wife Nicole, Michael and Lucas; her son Scott and wife Claudia and their children: Kaitlyn, Tucker, Colleen and Jackson; her son Roger and wife Jeni and their children, Thatcher and Beckett; her daughter Lynelle Mikkelsen and husband Paul and their children: Bailey, Maddie, Lauren, and Claire; and her daughter Suzanne Downs and husband Randy and their children, Meredith and Tanner.


The family enjoyed many vacations but the most special memories were of the annual trips to Canada to fish. In 1968, the family started going to Eagle Lake in Ontario, Canada to fish. They only missed two times in 40 straight summers. Back in the early years, Addie Mae was afraid of the water and waves and rode with a life jacket and white knuckles for many a fishing trip. However, she finally got accustomed to the boat and was right there at the dock waiting to board.


In 2002, Johnny and Addie Mae celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A wonderful dinner celebration was held with family and friends as well as a final family vacation to Canada with all 25 family members in attendance. Johnny passed away on March 5, 2003.


Addie Mae enjoyed being a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church and was involved in many of its activities over the years, including Bible Study. She had been a member of the TCM Club for 39. She interacted with her 15 grandchildren as they grew up. She always had a smile for her neighbors and friends. She loved to work in her garden and watch it grow. Playing bridge was her favorite pastime. She leaves her family and grandchildren to join Johnny and relatives in Heaven. Addie Mae "Loved Life".


Funeral services will be held at the Oakland United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 1:00 PM. An open visitation will be held at the Oakland United Methodist Church on Monday starting at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family will be from 6-8 PM on Monday evening at the Church. Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Oakland United Methodist Church. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.

Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements.