Mary Smith

Mary “Keke” Smith, 91, died Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at the Broen Memorial Home, Fergus Falls.

She was born Mary Leona Grinager, on February 20, 1924, in Bemidji, the daughter of Clinton and Mary Leona (Cavanaugh) Grinager Sr. She moved with her family to Fergus Falls at the age of two. Mary attended Fergus Falls schools graduating in 1941. She was employed at the Otter Tail County Courthouse for three years in the Clerk of Court Office and then was a legal secretary for Cy Field at Field & Field Law Office for two years. She later worked in the D.M.V. office with her mother.

On September 1, 1946, she married Frank O. Hugli. They farmed near Mahnomen for two years at St. Pierre Farms. In October of 1948, they moved back to Wilkin County, rural Foxhome, to Frank’s home farm. In 1950, they moved to Fergus Falls where she has lived ever since.

Mary was an active member of the Federated Church, Fergus Falls and it’s ladies aide and choir. She was a member of a homemakers group, the Norby’s bowling team in the 1950s, volunteered at Lake Region Hospital and was a life member of the Otter Tail County Historical Society, where she also enjoyed volunteering her time. She was also involved locally with various organizations for the developmentally handicapped. Mary enjoyed crossword puzzles, needlework, knitting, crewel embroidery, rosemaling, antiques, was an avid reader, especially biographies, and liked cookbooks and trying new recipes. Outdoor activities also provided Mary enjoyment, especially fishing, bicycling, and boating.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Frank Hugli, who died in 1975; her second husband of eight years, John W. Smith, who died in 1989; her parents; brothers, Clinton F. Grinager Jr. and John H. Grinager; sisters, Betsy Herriotts and Patricia Grinager, and longtime friend and companion, Leonard Luther.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Miles) Olson of Loogootee, IN; sons, Brian Hugli of Salem, VA and Jay Hugli of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Hannah Alden-Hugli of Salem, VA and Joshua Alden-Hugli of Novato, CA, along with nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the funeral home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2015, at Federated Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements