Judith M. Smith, 84, passed away on Friday March 13, 2026 at Unity Point St. Lukes Hospice in Cedar Rapids. Judy was born on March 22, 1941 in Nebraska to Marvin and Marie Vahle.

After graduating from High School in Wisner, NE she then lived in Omaha, NE, where she met the love of her life Neal Smith at Aksarben…who was the Beef Herdsman at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. They were united in marriage on September 7, 1963 and then moved back to Eastern Iowa on the Smith family farm to raise livestock, farm, and the start of Cedarcrest Farms.

Judy loved gardening, canning, making pies for the freezer, quite the green thumb, and loved to bake. She would often get a nudge from Dad…here’s a new recipe for you to try. She also enjoyed her friendships with the Lend a Hand circle through St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Judy always had a love for the farm and animals. One of her proudest moments was showing the Reserve Champion Hereford Steer at the 1964 American Royal Open Show. She loved sharing the story that she walked this steer 3 miles a day with her Pekingese dog on his back. Once they moved to Stanwood, together they built a cow herd and impressive flock of Hampshire sheep. To this day, she was always the biggest cheerleader supporting the youth. The other love of her life was her beloved Schnauzers. Definitely trained to Judy’s voice!

She had a zest for life like no other and full of antics at times. She always lit up the room and didn’t know a stranger. She may not remember your name, but that did not stop her from pulling your leg in conversation.

Judy is survived by her children, son Craig of Stanwood, and daughter Carmen Smith of Ankeny, and her brother Bob (Jeanette) Vahle of Beemer, NE. She was proceeded in death by her husband Neal, parents Marvin and Marie, and brother Tom Vahle.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Judy on Sunday, March 22 from 3 to 5 pm at the Cedar County Fairgrounds, Matthews Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be disbursed at their discretion.