Arlene Ruth Smith

Arlene Ruth Smith (Hinz), a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at Parkview Care Center in Buffalo, Minnesota surrounded by her loving children. Arlene Ruth Hinz, daughter of Reynold and Laura (Peymann) Hinz was born on March 5, 1943, in Fairmont, Minnesota. Faith was a cornerstone of Arlene's life. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minnesota and later attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Arlene was kind, gentle, resilient and hard-working. Whatever came her way, she managed it gracefully, never complained and was always 'fine'. She was a long-time employee of Fairmont Community Hospital, where she worked her way up to Supervisor of Housekeeping and Laundry. Arlene's greatest joy came from spending time in her flower gardens, watching and listening to the birds sing and spending time with her family. She raised five amazing children, and her grandchildren brought immense pride and joy to her life. Left to cherish her memory include her children, Kimberly (Thomas) Garry, Bradley Smith, Karla (Daniel) Heibel, Tonia (Dan) Hewett; son-in-law Tim Bird; grandchildren Jessica Garry (Erik Folcik), Marissa (Troy) Studinski, Erica (Gordy) Diekmann, Tia Johannsen, Amanda (James) Johnson, Michael Johannsen, Jennifer (Brady) Taylor, Megan (Chris) Nutini, Mitchell (Lexy) Heibel and Levi Hewett, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sister Marilyn (Norman) Anderson; brother-in-law Clifford Trullinger; sisters-in law Jacque Hinz, Sandy (Mark) Schlomann and Beverly Smith along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Lois Bird; great grandchild, Magdalene Studinski; siblings Maynard Hinz, Ronnie Hinz, Mova Jane Trullinger, Larry Hinz and Larriane Hinz; sister's- in-law Eloise Hinz, and Shirley Hinz and brother-in-law, Gary Smith. A Celebration of Life Service for Arlene Smith, 83, of St. Michael, formerly of Fairmont, Minnesota will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 16, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private interment at Lakeside Cemetery, in Fairmont, at a later date. Rest in peace mother dear. Your love shaped our world, and your memory will light our way forever.

Arlene Ruth Smith

March 5, 1943 - April 5, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services