Elnora Rodgers Smith

Elnora Rodgers Swartzendruber Smith, age 84, of Iowa City, IA, died Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. Celebration of Life Service and Visitation will be held at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service on Wednesday January 7, 2026 beginning at 10:30AM.

Elnora was born on October 12, 1941, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Samuel Charles and Ruth Virginia Green Rodgers.

She married Don Swartzendruber on September 3, 1961. Two delightful sons were born to them – Roger and Lore. They were later divorced.

She married Stan Smith on March 17, 2001. He died in May of 2024.

Elnora was known for her volunteer work. She volunteered with the local Crisis Center, Friends of Iowa City Public Library, the local Free Lunch Program, and Zion Lutheran Church. She served as vacation replacement for church secretaries in the area, as she was one of the few people who could still operate a mimeograph machine. She and husband Stan Smith were involved with the Arthritis/Fibromyalgia Education Support Group and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

Elnora retired from the University of Iowa, having served in the departments of Physical Education for Men, Facilities Planning & Utilization, and Facilities Services Group, for a total of 35 years.

Survivors include sons Roger (Tammy) and Lore (Shanna) Swartzendruber; grandchildren Cayman and Tybee Swartzendruber; stepdaughters Patricia Smith and Susan Schneweis; step-granddaughter Katherine Schneweis; nephews Darin and Derek Bickford; former spouse Don Swartzendruber, plus numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Esther Bickford, brother-in-law Gaylon Bickford, and husband Stan Smith.

Memorial donations may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Essence of Life Hospice, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.