Renata W. Smith

Renata W. Smith, of Sioux Falls, SD died July 12, 2026 at the age of 71 after a short battle with cancer.  Her Memorial Service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 18, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.  Private Interment at Hills of Rest Cemetery.  

Renata van der Wal Smith was born on May 9, 1955, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At a young age, she immigrated to the United States with her parents, living in New York, New Jersey, and North Miami, Florida. After High School, she enrolled in Covenant College, then transferred to Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, graduating in 1977. There she met and married Rev. Duane R. Smith in 1979. They moved to Alberta and then to British Columbia, Canada, where they lived for 19 years before moving back to the United States in 1998. She taught special education at Hamlin School District, then in the Sioux Falls School District, retiring in 2019. While teaching, she also earned her master’s degree in special education from Dordt College.  She was active in her church as Librarian, Bible studies, fellowship, and many community activities.

She is survived by her husband, Duane Smith; four children, Alexis (Adam) Van Zanten, Derek (Jenni) Smith, Hilary (Matthias) Andermatt, and Colin (Jessica) Smith; nine grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son-in-law, Matthew Hilbelink.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Ligonier Ministries or Christ Reformed Church.