Geraldine Lorraine Smith, 81, rural Minot, died Friday, July 29, 2011 at the home of her daughter in rural Des Lacs, surrounded by her loving family.

Geri was born May 6, 1930 at Deering, North Dakota, the daughter of Richard and Amelia (Wiltzen) Albright. She was raised on the family farm near Deering and educated at country schools in that area, until graduating from Deering High School in 1948. As a young girl, she enjoyed her horse Kernel, and passed her love of horses on to her girls.

Geri was united in marriage to Duane Smith on September 3, 1950 at Deering. They made their home in Minot until 1960, when they moved to a home in Burlington, before finally moving to a home west of Minot. Geri worked as a teller at Bremer Bank for more than 32 years, retiring in 1985. Duane died February 5, 2009.

Geri was a longtime member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot. She was active in the church's Women's group, assisted with church bookkeeping, and had taught Sunday School. At home, She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, caring for 53 houseplants, and cooking and baking for her family. Her love for her family was unconditional and equaled only by her love for the Lord.

Her loving family includes , children, Gayla (Tim) Zietz, rural Des Lacs, Kimberlea (Mike) Johnson, Walhalla, ND, Shelly Smith and her friend, Al Buee, rural Burlington, ND, Tim (Mandy) Smith, Carpio, ND; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, brother, Steven (Shirley) Albright, Lansford, ND; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Geri was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, Jesse Zietz, sister, Marlene Scheresky and brothers, Eugene and Richard Albright.

Funeral service : Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.