Bonnie Nellie Smith

Bonnie N. Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada at the remarkable age of 103.
Born at home on September 1, 1922, to Harry Allen and Mable (Fry) Tripp. Bonnie's long and inspiring life began in humble surroundings. She graduated from Colo High School in 1938 and later was united in marriage to Lester VanDellan Smith at Unionville, Missouri on January 20, 1940. Together, Bonnie and Lester built a loving home and family, living in Collins and spending many winters in Mesa, Arizona, before moving there permanently in 2000. In 2016, Bonnie returned to Ames to be closer to her family.
Bonnie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of both Ames First Christian Church and the Collins Christian Church, where she found purpose, community, and joy. Her passions were many: genealogy, quilting, and traveling the country with Lester in their Airstream. She delighted in creating memory books for each of her children, preserving family stories and treasures for generations to come. Saving everything, Bonnie's careful hands and loving spirit touched all who knew her.
Recently, Bonnie was embraced by the Iowa State Basketball girls, who adopted her as their own and enriched her days with visits and activities.
Bonnie is survived by her son, Jim (Diane) Smith of Ames; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren. Her legacy of love and devotion continues to live on in each of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Allen and Mabel May Fry Tripp, her husband Lester, her stillborn daughter Susanne, her sisters Shirley Robinson and Gladys Rhoads, her daughters Leslie Wilkening, Sheryl Niemand and Sandra Garner; and her grandchildren Kelly Lee Garner, Keith Niemand, and Karl Niemand.
A funeral service honoring Bonnie's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Collins Christian Church in Collins, with Pastor Scott Jones officiating. Family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at the Colo Cemetery in Colo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund - Play4Kay in memory of Bonnie.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Bonnie and her family. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.