Florence Ruth Strong, age 93, of Sac City, IA, passed away at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, IA, on Thursday, April 2, 2015.

   Florence was born on August 6, 1921, in Sac City to H. O. Smith and Ida (Lundgren) Smith.  She attended Douglas Township Country School and Sac City High School.  She was baptized and confirmed and a lifetime member of the First Christian Church in Sac City.

   Florence was united in marriage to LaVerne Strong on January 21, 1944.  They were blessed with four children: Larry, Craig, Jaree and Paul.  She loved being a homemaker and farm wife.  For approximately 30 plus years she helped her husband on their dairy farm and later worked at Modern Shoe Store and Sac Elementary School in the kitchen.  She enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, working her daily crossword puzzles, sewing and crocheting many beautiful gifts for family and friends.  Florence was an excellent cook and always looked forward to the traditional “Smith” family gatherings.  They all enjoyed the good food, a game of cribbage or playing card games.  She was feisty and very outspoken, but gained respect from everyone.  She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

   Survivors include her children: Larry Ryan (Kay) of Des Moines, IA; Craig (Linda) Strong of New Orleans, LA; Jaree Heath of Mt. Pocono, PA; and Paul (Sue) Strong of Sac City, IA; 13 grandchildren: Tim (Kelley) Ryan, Tom (Linda) Ryan, Kristy (David) Barzen, Matthew (Melissa) Strong, Marc Strong, Kyle Strong, Jason Heath (Camber), Jody Heath (Mike), Jessica Heath (Pete), Katherine Heath, Jeff Strong, Justin Strong, and Kayla (Eric) Shull; 17 great-grandchildren: Taylor Ryan, Alexandria Ryan, Hollie Ryan, Corey Ryan, Jackson Barzen, Roman Barzen, Matthew Strong, Collin Strong, Madison Meish, Andrew Meish, Emily Febbraro, Molly Febbraro, Kaitlyn Strong, Ryan Strong, Jared Strong, Peyton Strong and Keagan Bundt.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Marcella Smith of Chetek, WI; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

   Florence was preceded in death by her parents H.O. and Ida Smith; husband LaVerne Strong; six brothers: George (Mabel) Smith, Lawrence Smith, Dick (Ruby) Smith, Don (Olena) Smith, Bud (Thres) Smith, and Glenn Smith.