Violet I. Brown, better known as "Vi" to her family and friends, was born Setpmber 8, 1912 in a log house on Deadman Creek northwest of Philip, South Dakota to Harry and Myrtle (Teeters) Brown.

She grew up and received her elementary education in the Deadman School prior to attending Marrietta High School.

Violet was united in marriage to Chester "Chet" Smith on March 12, 1930 at Philip, South Dakota.  They farmed and ranched in Haakon County all their married life.

Violet was a member of the United Church, a fomer member of the United Methodist Women, and the Prayer Chain, all of Philip.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Chester "Chet" Smith of Philip; four daughters: Hope Warner and her husband, William of Tucson, Arizona; Doris Glardino of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Linda Whitehead and her husband, James, of Piedmont, South Dakota; Glenda Helms and her husband, Eugene, of Creighton, South Dakota; two sons: Virgil Smith and his wife, Carla, of Milesville, South Dakota; Chuck and his wife, Rae, of Arlington, Washington; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a brother, Clifford Brown and his wife, Ann, of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Vi was preceded in death by a son, Harry Smith, who died at birth; her parents; a brother, Richard (Dick) Brown and a sister, Vera DeZurk.

A memorial is established to the United Church, in Philip.

Services
Tuesday, September 3, 1996
10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Rev. Donald Lagge

Music
Peggy Eggers - Organist
Beth Fitzgerald - Vocalist

Ushers
Gene Daniels - Dave Berry
Will Anders

Active Pallbearers
Sam Giardino - Cory Smith
John Giardino, Jr. - Keith Smith
Bruce Aby - Dan Miller

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota