Murlyn Ann Smith

June 14, 1927 - November 28, 2017

Murlyn Smith died November 28, 2017 at Elim Care Center in Fargo. She passed peacefully with her beloved husband lying next to her holding her hand. Murlyn was born June 14, 1927 on her grandparents’ farm outside of Marion, ND to Arthur and Clara (Knudsen) Anderson, Murlyn was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Murlyn was raised on a farm by Litchville, ND. She spent her grade school years at Rosebud County School and attended high school in Litchville, ND. She spent 2 years at North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU). On October 12, 1947, Murlyn married the love of her life, Kenneth Smith. The couple marked their milestone 70th anniversary together with a celebration attended by numerous friends and family members. For 62 years, Murlyn and Ken made their home in the Litchville, ND area, where they were active members of First Lutheran Church. Murlyn was instrumental in opening the Litchville Museum. She was an historian and loved genealogy. Together, Murlyn and Ken had four children: Darryl (Sheryl) Smith of Rogers, ND; Vonne (Gary) Baillio of Anchorage, AK; Sheila Smith of Prunedale, CA; and Gina (Tony) Stroh of Bismarck, ND. Murlyn also had eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Accompanied by coffee and conversation, family was Murlyn’s treasure and joy, and each and every one of her cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart and were a huge part of her life. In addition to time spent with her family and friends, Murlyn kept busy sewing, quilting, baking, playing piano, square dancing, and traveling. She regularly visited Hawaii and frequently traveled all throughout the country visiting family and friends. Ken and Murlyn were also able to re-reunite with foreign exchange students in Ecuador they hosted while in North Dakota. Ken and the rest of Murlyn’s family extend their special thanks to everyone at The Legacy Place in Valley City, Elim Care Center and Pioneer House in Fargo, and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Murlyn was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt Myrtle Knudsen, and uncles Arthur and Albert Knudsen. Murlyn is survived by her husband Ken, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Faye (Duane) Graalum, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers Murlyn’s family members request that you please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangement made my Oliver Nathan Funeral Home.