Samarah Smith

Samarah LaVerne Smith, mother, daughter, sister and friend, slipped peacefully into the arms of the angels on October 30, 2015, at her home in Elk River, MN, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born February 14, 1980, in Brainerd, MN. In her brief life, Sam touched many. She began babysitting at a young age, and adored the children she took care of. Sam attended and graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1998. In high school, Sam played softball, volleyball, and was a dynamic cheerleader. Sam studied at Bemidji State University, where she was a third generation student. She was a hard worker. She worked at many businesses, who were benefited by her dedication; Sibley Station, King Coil Mattress (Brainerd), Verizon Wireless (where she was top salesperson in her district for 3 consecutive months), Keg and Cork (Bemidji), and Anoka Chamber of Commerce to name a few. She was currently employed at Iceberg Web Design. She set goals and achieved them. Her mom, Jeanette, always kidded with her that she could "Sell a thirsty man in the desert a cup of sand", and she really could.

Rob, her loving partner, doted on her from the day they became a couple. Rob and Sam became a part of each other's lives July of 2006. They have two beautiful boys, Cohen, 8, and Sylas, 4. Sam had a natural gift for teaching her boys ....and they loved to learn, even from an early age! Not only did she teach them "book smarts", but life lessons; every experience was a learning one. She was an avid sports fan, sharing her love of sports with her boys by watching, going to, and discussing their favorite sports teams. They had family time out in the yard learning to play baseball, kickball, soccer, etc. Sam was a superb cook, dedicated to healthy eating and using organic and non GMO foods, as well as educating others about its importance. She lived a short life, but it was a full one. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sam is survived by her loving partner, Rob Gerner, and their two beautiful boys, Cohen & Sylas Gerner of Elk River, MN; her mom, Jeanette (Russell) Moyer of Elk River; brother, Shane Story of Roosevelt, MN; sisters, Shelia Turner (Red Erickson) of Warroad, MN, Randi (Mike) Miller of Lewiston, ID; Rob's parents: mother, Kathy Goldstrand of Fridley, MN and father, Bob (Charlene) Gerner of Grey Eagle, MN; Rob's siblings, Christine (Dustin) Canavan and Jessica Angert of O'Fallon, MO; Robs's grandmother, Margaret Gerner of O'Fallon MO; nieces: Remi, Shayle, Kylie, Bradley. Sam is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Delbert (LaVerne) Fish and Marvin (LaVerne) Smith; Rob's grandparents, Robert (Mary) Goldstrand and Edmond Gerner.

Sam was a true lover of sports, especially her Minnesota teams. We invite you to wear your favorite team attire to her memorial service, to honor her uniqueness. Coffee and cookies will be served after the service. In great appreciation and in lieu of flowers, your memorials will go towards funeral expenses.

Memorial services will be 3 PM on Saturday, November 7, at Pequot Lakes Baptist Church. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in Stanchfield, MN.