Valerie Jean Smith

Valerie “Val” Jean Smith, 70, of Mason City, lowa, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday, June 05, 2026 at MercyOne North lowa Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held in late-July 2026 and formally announced at a future date. 

Memorials may be directed to Valerie's family, or as donations to Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless Shelters.

Valerie was born in Mason City, Iowa on March 08, 1956. She was a hard worker in her early years doing home improvement within Mason City. Valerie was infamous for being spotted on the back of a Harley or on her bicycle riding around town. Valerie reminisced about her horse Feathers that she enjoyed in her childhood. She always said she was “free” when she felt the wind on her face. She loved the Arizona mountains and couldn't wait to see them again. Valerie was an authentic, free spirit in heart and soul.

Valerie adored her family, from her mother and siblings to her children and grandchildren. She would give her last dollar to anyone she knew, as it was important to her to help as much as she could. She took great pride in her children's’ and grandchildren's’ accomplishments, whether big or small. Valerie resided at the IOOF Homes in Mason City and enjoyed several activities there with her friends. In her spare moments, Valerie loved doing puzzles for herself and others, playing bingo with her friends, listening to bands and music, and attending sermons by Pastor Dave. She touched so many around her, including friends at her home and even hospital staff that spent time with her. Her generous love for her family and her friends will be sorely missed.

Valerie is survived by her children, Brandi Smith, Aurora Smith, Dave Obregon; grandchildren, Jace Spear, Jaylah and Amarea Obregon, Deken Thompson, Nick Lizaola, Sienna Obregon, Sabrina Waring, Dakota and Emma Havig; siblings, Vicky Davis and Victor “Dirk” Johnson; sister-in-law, Julie Johnson; and nieces and nephews, Misty, Christopher, Nicky, Sara, and Cody; and other great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Walter and Emily Block, paternal grandparents Einer Anderson and Pearl Johnson-Anderson; parents, Hadley and Loretta “Dolly” Johnson; brother, Vern “Butch” Johnson; grandson, Devlin Obregon; brother-in-law, Alan Davis; and great-nephew, Keegan Baumgartner.