Marlys Smith

Marlys Ann (Hackbarth) Smith, 87, of Monona died Monday, July 20, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. A Private Graveside Service was held at Monona Cemetery, Monona. Memorials in her honor may be directed to Little Bulldog Preschool and MFL Ambulance Service. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona assisted the family with services.

Marlys was born March 27, 1939 at home in Morgan Township in Franklin County, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Verlynn and Leona (Gorder) Hackbarth. She was baptized and confirmed in the Morgan Methodist Church, which was a quarter mile from her home.

Marlys attended school in Dows and graduated in 1957. She was active in band, chorus, and class plays. She went to Ellsworth Jr. College and received her two-year degree to teach. She worked for a principal, took care of four young children, and cooked and cleaned for a family to pay for her education.

Marlys came to Monona in 1959 to teach fourth grade. She was active in church and community activities. Marlys met Bob (Smitty) and they were married August 15, 1964 in Iowa Falls Methodist Church. Two children were born to this union; David and Nancy.

Marlys taught fourth grade for six-and-a-half years, helped start a preschool in Monona, and was active in church, school, and community activities. She loved to play bridge. Bob and Marlys were owners of Smitty’s D-X (later Smitty’s Oil & Tire) for almost 50 years. Their son Dave and his wife bought the business in 2004.

Marlys is survived by her children, David (Anna Mae) Smith and Nancy (Arthur) Wagner; her grandchildren, Ashley Smith, Tyler Wagner, Grant (Lexi) Wagner and Isaac (Jessica) Wagner; one great-granddaughter, Teagan Wagner, with two more on the way; her sisters, Barbara (Dick) Thompson and Judy Orth; her sister-in-law Jean Hackbarth; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding Marlys in death is her husband Bob in 2016; her parents; her Grandma Hackbarth who persuaded her to go to college to be a teacher; her grandparents, Emma and Chris Gorder; two brothers, Verle and Randy; her sister Norma; and two brothers-in-law, David Orth and Jerry Jacober.