Gayl I. Smith

Gayl I. Smith, 93, died Monday, October 7, 2024, at a Long-Term Care facility in Vermillion, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Monday October 14, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Gayl Ingrid Widtfeldt, the daughter of David and Nettie (Norwood) Widtfeldt was born January 14, 1931, in Lynch, NE. She graduated from high school in O’Neill, NE in 1948 and went on to Briar Cliff University to study Arts. Gayl graduated with an Art major and an Elementary minor.

On May 4, 1953, Gayl was united in marriage with James D. Smith in Sioux City, IA. The couple adopted five children together. She taught stained glass and was known worldwide for her China painting. Gayl travelled around the country, teaching others to paint China. She also had articles published in Art magazines. Gayl opened and operated the Gingerbread House preschool in Sioux City for many years. James died December 31, 2003. 

Gayl enjoyed time on Women’s golf league at Sun Valley for years along with her daughter. In her later years, Gayl spent her days in prayer, praying the rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy for each and every family member.

Gayl is survived by her children, Mary Smith-Inlow, James (Amy), David (Tracy) Smith, Kathleen Hutcheson, Melissa (Tim) Provost; 14 grandchildren, Michael Inlow, Christopher Inlow, Daniel (Ashley) Inlow, Jim (Madelyn) Smith Jr, Rebecca Smith, Howard Smith, Tyler (Carly Pederson) Smith, Alesha (Brice) Byker, Abbigayl Provost, Andrew Provost, Avery Provost, Anthony Provost, Kayla (Taylor) Behrens, Katie Herrera, Kelsey Herrera; 13 great-grandchildren, Taryn, Preston, Evan, and Natalie Inlow, Lilly Pederson, Mia Smith, Mathew, and Ian Inlow, Finley, Griffin, and Barrett Byker; Owen Behrens, Aubree Hauger; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Mildred Spangler and Suzanne Johnson; son-in-law, Lonnie Inlow; and a great-grandson, Sutton Lee Byker.