Janet Rae Smith
Janet Smith, 83, formerly of Ames, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona. A devoted wife, mother and friend, Jan lived a full life rooted in love, creativity and service. Born Janet King, the only child of Pearl and Kenyon King, she married Thomas Smith in 1965. A few years later they welcomed their daughter, Deborah. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary in August. An only child herself, Jan married an only child and together they had their daughter, Deb -- making family ties especially meaningful. She was a proud and loving grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan.

Jan grew up in Atlantic, Iowa, and graduated from Atlantic High School before attending Iowa State University, where she studied clothing and textiles. As a child, she overcame polio, an early display of her quiet strength and determination. Later, she began her career at Montgomery Wards in Ames the 1960s earning an amazing trip to NYC, then later joined Sears in the 1970s, where she worked as a bookkeeper and trainer, retiring from there over 30 years later.

As a lifelong learner, she earned a travel agent certificate in her late 50s, "just for fun." Jan loved exploring new places with Tom -- from Bermuda, Scotland and Mexico to a wonderful lifetime trip to Switzerland with cherished friends. She was often found working beside Tom on ACTORS Community Theater productions, occasionally appearing onstage herself. She was a voracious reader, walker and seamstress, making numerous prom dresses, a special flower girl dress for Lauren, and a special toy tractor tote for Ryan years ago. Jan loved watching football and could often be heard cheering on the ISU Cyclones.

Jan was extremely proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She loved receiving pictures and videos from their sports and activities, often amazed by their intelligence and athleticism. Jan was creative to her core. In her 60s she took up basket weaving and became a master. She even taught basket-weaving classes at the Workspace at ISU. Many people often asked why she didn't sell her baskets, she replied she'd rather gift them to others. Nantucket-style basket weaving was something she enjoyed, mostly due to the skill and patience involved.

She was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames until they moved away, and she lived her faith through music and service. From a young age, she was involved in Eastern Star, Rainbow and TTT philanthropic organizations. She also found joy volunteering annually with the Iowa Games, being a regular blood donor, and dance recital mom. She also found time to play cards on Saturday nights, go to the movies or a theater show, attend book clubs and wine clubs with Tom. Jan loved watching classic movies on TV and listening to Broadway musicals.

After many years in Ames, they moved to Gilbert, Arizona, in 2018 where they enjoyed the warm climate, beautiful southwestern culture and time together with friends. Declining health began to slow Jan down a few years ago. Tom was steadfast by her side, along with Deb and her family, until she passed. As Deb was leaving the hospice house for the last time, a beautiful turquoise hummingbird swooped right in, took a quick drink of water from the landscape fountain and swooped away, assuring her family Jan is now free. When a hummingbird is seen, please remember Jan and smile.

She will be remembered as accomplished, creative and loving -- a woman who faced life with grace, strength and a generous heart. Jan is survived by her husband, Tom, of Gilbert, Arizona, Deb (Dave) Bowling of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her grandchildren Lauren and Ryan Bowling. Jan also loved her bonus daughter, Amy (Smith) McGregor, who is like a sister to Deb. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Kenyon King.

Memorials may be directed to the family, Deborah Bowling, for disbursement to charities close to Jan's heart at a later date.

A gathering will be at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames at 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Wed. Nov.19, with a memorial service starting at 3:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandon funeralandcremationcare.com