Mildred Ida Smith, 90, died peacefully Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Middle River Health Care.

She was born on June 17, 1920 in Cloquet, Minn. to Hulda and Andrew Johnson. She married Leonard Smith on February 22, 1941 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Millie worked at Diamond Match of Cloquet.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet for many years. Millie enjoyed the outdoors, swimming, gardening, her dogs and being with friends and family. She took up the game of golf in mid life and spent many days at Big Lake Golf Course with family. She also loved crosswords, football games and cards. Millie was not only a caring wife, mother and grandmother, but also a great friend in good times and bad.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Isabelle) Smith of Cloquet; daughter, Susan (Paul) Ashley of Superior, Wis.; grandchildren, David (Sheri) Smith of Barnum, Minn., Paul (Sandy) Smith of Virginia, Minn. and Nette (Dean) Cicchi of Hibbing, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, Jacob, Katy, Mia, Nicholas and Livie; brothers, Paul Johnson of Esko, Minn., and Raymond Johnson of Duluth; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard Smith; sister, Alice Johnson; brothers, Arnold and Roland Johnson.

A celebration of her life will be held at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th St. in Superior, on Friday, June 25 at 1:00 p.m. Chaplain Ron Henely of St. Mary's Hospice will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 until time of service. Inurnment for Millie and her husband Leonard will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Military honors for Leonard will be accorded by the Superior Combined Honor Guard.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, David, Paul and Nette.

Millie's family would like to thank Middle River Health Care Facility's entire staff who cared for her these last months. We would also like to thank SMDC Hospice care for all their help and guidance.