Laurel L. Smith

Laurel L. Smith, 84, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Walhalla Lutheran Church from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be sent to the Pembilier Nursing Center or the Walhalla Ambulance Service.

Laurel was born on August 11, 1941 to Doranna and Andre “Buster” Gratton in Langdon. The family moved to Walhalla when she was young and she graduated from Wahalla High School in 1959. She attended college in Mayville. Following college, Laurel taught school for a short time in Starkweather and Walhalla. Laurel married Allan Smith on June 21, 1962. They had two children, Theresa and Timothy and raised them on the family farm.

Laurel loved cooking, decorating, traveling, and was an avid reader. She was very artistic and creative, making quilts and many unique and wonderful items for friends and family. She and Allan spent many years traveling across the country and staying in Texas and Arizona. She loved animals, especially her dogs (Michael, Mac, Scotty, Fergus, Duffer, and Percy). She was known by her friends and family for her razor-sharp comebacks and was often considered the life of the party.

Laurel is survived by her husband Allan, daughter Theresa (David) Hennessy of Plano, TX, son Timothy (Karen) Smith of Walhalla, sister Mary (Manferd) Mostad, brother Dennis (Barb) Gratton of Walhalla, two grandsons, Joel (Kelsey) Smith and Michael (Alison) Smith both of Walhalla. Six great-grandchildren; Austin, Lauren, Kyla, Weston, Walker, and Wells. She was pre-deceased by her parents, in-laws Bert and Stella Smith, brother Morris Gratton, and sister-in-law Colleen Gratton.

The family would like to thank the staff of Pembilier Nursing Home for their kindness and excellent care.