R. Eleanor Smith

R. Eleanor Smith, age 94, of Decorah, Iowa, died Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Aase Haugen Home in Decorah from ovarian cancer. There are no services planned according to her wishes. Private inurnment will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Ruth Eleanor Smith was born May 13, 1913 in rural Decorah to Dr. Carsten C. and Gyda (Holkesvik) Smith. She moved with her family at about the age of one to Scandinavia, Wisconsin and at the age of five to Hibbing, Minnesota. When she was 13 her family returned to Decorah and she graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1931. After attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN for one year and the Decorah Junior College for Girls in its first year of operation, she enrolled in the Kahler Hospitals School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota, graduating in 1936. Eleanor held various nursing service positions in the Kahler Hospitals (later known as the Rochester Methodist Hospital) and nursing education positions in the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing. Twice during her career she returned to advanced study, and in 1946 received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chicago and in 1957, her Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. She served as Director of the Methodist Kahler School of Nursing for 13 years. In 1970 the school was closed and she retired to make her home in Decorah. Eleanor was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Decorah, the Travel Club, Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum and bridge clubs. She enjoyed the many cultural programs available at Luther College and traveling in the United States as well as twice abroad. She was also interested and active in local politics. She became a resident of Aase Haugen Home on January 22, 1999. She was preceded in death by her parents and one older sister. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Lawrence F. Smith of La Mesa, CA; one niece; and two nephews.