Violet Viola Smith, age 92, of Mitchell, SD died Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday January 22, 2018 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Violet Viola Smith was widely known by friends and family as "Smitty". She was born on August 1, 1925 in Scotland, SD to William and Magdelina Auch.

At the age of 21, Violet was united in marriage with Mervin Smith on June 20, 1946 in Chamberlain, SD. During the next 14 years after moving to Mitchell, Violet babysat numerous children in her home which was probably one of the first daycares in Mitchell. After guiding the young minds of all those young children for that short time, Violet was employed by the Mitchell School District where she continued to watch those same children grow up and have achievements through higher education.

Violet was a well known icon at Mitchell Senior High from 1966 and finally retiring in 1997 after 31 years. The wrestlers, basketball and football players always looked their best because of her expertise in keeping all their uniforms looking crisp and clean. She shaped many young lives including her own children during her tenure at Senior High. She proudly wore her Mitchell Kernels jacket given to her by the wrestlers.

She enjoyed ceramics and received many awards. Violet loved gambling trips and did so for many years.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters, Barb DeVaughan, Deb (Nick) Brink, both of Mitchell, SD; son, John (Penny) Smith, Gillette, WY; brother, Dwane Auch, Des Moines, IA; seven grandchildren, Darren DeVaughan, Cory Smith, Toby Smith, Brandy Bell, Jennifer Christianson, Wyatt Smith and Katie Brink; 10 great grandchildren, Tehra Christianson, Dayvie Smith, Tucker Smith, Nicholas Endres, Caleb Smith, Jakobi Brink, Grant Bell, Marshall Smith, Olivia Bell and Daphne Smith.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Mervin John Smith; daughter, Judy Joachim; grandson, Eric Brink; her parents, William and Magdelina; four brothers, Leonard Auch, Victor Auch, Allen Auch and Ervin Auch; five sisters, Viola Auch, Sophie Stern, Clair Gall, Lee Evans and Molly Flood.