MaryAnn Smith

Minot

MaryAnn Louise Smith (Kongslie), 86, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on May 10, 2025, in Sanford Hospice House after living a life full of sass, spice, and a whole lot of happiness.

She was born on December 4th, 1938, at St. Andrews Hospital in Bottineau to Rueben and Alice (Juderjohn) Kongslie. MaryAnn spent her early years in the small town of Upham, North Dakota.

MaryAnn attended school in Upham, where she was active in many activities such as cheerleading, running and potato sack racing. She graduated in 1956 from Upham High School. She furthered her education at Minot State University with the intent to shape young minds as a teacher. However, fate had other plans – MaryAnn met the love of her life, Rodney Smith, during a Spring wedding dance in 1957 and six months later on December 28th, they wed at Bloomfield Lutheran Church in Upham.

Together, MaryAnn and Rodney set their roots in Minot, North Dakota and raised their three lively boys – Kevin, Bradley, and Brent. MaryAnn was the glue to her family; she was the entertainer and had the gift of gab. She brought everyone closer together.

MaryAnn provided daycare to families for a number of years while raising her own. With the boys able to function on their own, she found work at Chances R for nine years and Sun Mart Foods for another decade.

In the late 80’s, MaryAnn and Rodney turned up the heat and hit the road, taking on competitive chili cooking. MaryAnn was known for her green chili and brought home several ribbons! Their cookoff competitions took them on many adventures, where they found lifelong friends, endless laughs, and a few scorched taste buds.

MaryAnn was active in her community and supported many charities. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, where she once served as the President, and a proud Den Mother for Scouts. She supported the missions of Meals On Wheels, March of Dimes and Home on The Range for many years and was a life member of the International Chili Society.

MaryAnn enjoyed snowmobiling, collecting gnomes, decorating for Christmas, and showing up her neighborhood with her beautiful flower garden every year! She enjoyed volunteering at the Hostfest as she took pride in her Norwegian heritage.

MaryAnn was the life of the party and left a lasting impact on many people. Her smile was contagious and her humor and witty personality unforgettable. She will be deeply missed.

MaryAnn is survived by her sons Kevin (Charlotte Aberle) Smith, Bradley Smith and Brent (Rebecca) Smith; grandchildren Annaka Drouin (fiance Matthew Miiller), Collin Smith, Jared Smith (Vanessa), Gavin Smith and Allen Smith; great-granddaughter, Ellasyn Louise Drouin; sister-in-law, Marva Dean Smith, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

MaryAnn was preceded in death by her husband Rodney, parents Rueben & Alice, brother, Dale (Shirley) Kongslie, grandson, Davin Smith, parents-in-law, Merle and Matilda Smith, brothers and sisters-in-law Melvin “Bud” (Mim) Smith, Raymond (Nonie) Smith, Omar (Betty) Smith, Curt Smith, Duane (Gerry) Smith, Irma (Orville) Kitzman, Lorraine (Hollis) Grilley, Justine (Pat) Pfeiffer, Vera (Pete) Peterson and special family friend Tracey Arne.

Graveside Service: 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Visitation/Booksigning: Friday, June 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Celebration of MaryAnn’s Life: Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Kevin and Char’s Residence at 21 Rolling Hills Drive, Minot, ND 58701.

Memorials are preferred to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sanford Hospice or to a hospice organization of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 9, 2025.