Orva Julia Smith , 93, Minot and formerly of Maddock and Jamestown, and the widow of Ed Smith the former President of the North Dakota Farmers Union, died on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in a Mohall nursing home.

Orva was born on June 29, 1916 on the family farm in Albert Township of Benson County near Maddock, ND to Martin and Minnie (Tweeten) Bratvold. She was reared on the family farm and attended rural school.

Orva married Edwin W. Smith on June 19, 1938 in Maddock, ND. She assisted her husband as an employee of the Aluminum Company of America and they resided at various places in northwest North Dakota. The family resided in the Bismarck-Mandan area from 1947-1952 and in Minot from 1952 until 1961 when they moved to Jamestown, ND. The family returned to Minot in 1975 following the completion of Mr. Smith's tenure as the President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. Orva and Ed operated Ace Checker Cab Company following their return to Minot.

Ed died on March 22, 2003. Orva continued to reside in Minot until moving to the Good Samaritan Society in Mohall in 2005.

Orva was a member of various Lutheran churches in the communities where she resided and their respective ladies organizations. Most recently, she was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Minot. She was a member of the Women of the Moose, a senior bowling league, served as cub scout and girl scout leader, volunteered at Hostfest and was active in ND Farmers Union youth activities. She especially enjoyed making lefse and rommegrot, dancing, sewing, working in her flower garden and church activities.

Survivors include: children: Eleanor (Ken Borchmann) of Nipomo, CA, Joan (Patrick) Rodican of Reno, NV and David (Lorraine) Smith of Minot; grandchildren: Cynthia, Mark, Michael, Jeffrey, Thomas and Shannon; sixteen great grandchildren; sisters: Junice Babcock of Redmond, WA and Dorothy Ellingson of Rapid City, SD, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Orva was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law: Ronald Coder, granddaughter: Sheri Wallicski, sister: Evelyn Williams and brother: Edward Bratvold.

Memorial Service: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment will be in the Vasa Swedish Cemetery -rural Esmond.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.