Anna Gjertine Droen was born August 18, 1883, the daughter of Anders and Inger (Olson) Droen, on the Droen homestead north of Clarkfield, Minnesota. She was baptized in Bergen Church by Rev. K. Thorstenson and confirmed October 16th, 1898, in the Clarkfield Norwegian Lutheran Church by Rev. Farseth. On November 13, 1907, she was united in marriage to Andrew F. Smolley. Eight children were born: Calmer, Evelyn, Jay, Abner, Lillian, Sadie, Donald and Norma. Calmer preceded her in death in 1913 and Sadie in 1921. On December 16, 1931, her husband, Andrew, passed away leaving her with additional burdens to bear. Only by her devout faith in God did she carry on. In 1942 her health began to fail. The past year she partially recovered her health but about three weeks ago she suffered a severe heart attack and on Sunday night, February 18, 1951, passed on to her reward, at the age of 67 years, at the Clarkfield Community Hospital. Mrs. Smolley was very active in church work. She was organist for the church and Ladies Aid for many years and a faithful Sunday school teacher. She seldom missed a service or prayer meeting. She loved to teach the young people and would read Bible stories to the little grandchildren. On the day she died she said that she would like to live, but that if it were God's wish she go, she was ready. She is survived by six children: Abner, Jay, Evelyn (Mrs. Robert Brock) of Clarkfield, Donald of Minneapolis, Lillian (Mrs. Vernon Palmgren) of Madison, Minnesota, and Norma (Mrs. Harland Jacobson) of Hanley Falls, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Anita and Roger Brock, Paul Palmgren, Anna Marie, David and John Smolley; four sisters: Mrs. Jeanette Bue of Minneapolis, Mrs. Josie Engevik of Gatzke, Minnesota, Mrs. Gilbert M. Anderson and Susie Droen of Clarkfield; and one brother, Andrew Droen of Clarkfield. Mother will be sadly missed but, in passing, has left memories that will be cherished by all -- memories of a patient and helping hand, a cheerful smile, comforting words and a devout Christian life. May she rest in God's peace! Funeral Services from the home 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 1951, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Evangelical Lutheran Church Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. J.E.H. Akre Special Music Rev. Akre and Arley Anderson (at home) Mrs. Esther Lynne, "Mother's Song" Men's quartet, "Sleep In Jesus" (Harry and Juel Kirkeby William Nelson, R.G. Vik) Pallbearers (nephews) Orville Anderson ~ Marvin Anderson Arnold Iverson ~ Eugene Larson Andrew Droen ~ Harold Smith Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota