Becky Lee Smoot

Becky Lee (Thompson) Smoot was born on August 20, 1954 in Spencer, Iowa to Russell (Jim) and Jane (Garrelts) Thompson. She graduated in 1972 from Spencer High School. When her family moved to Whapeton, where Becky found her true passion in life. She became a nanny for the Kelly family as a teenager.

Becky married Bart Smoot on March 6th 1976 at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer. To this union they had a son, Zane. In 1979 they moved into Royal, Iowa where Becky would become a huge part of the community. She opened her own in-home daycare and did this for over 40 years before retiring in 2022. All the kids she had throughout the years became known as "Becky's Kids". She loved each and every one of those kids as they were her own. All the families were very special to her also. In later years, Becky taught child care provider classes.

Becky served on The Royal City Counsel for many years. It was during this time she helped start Royal Community Action. This is a group of women who help fundraise for the community. In 2010 the group, thanks to Becky’s dedication, was able to purchase the electric billboard sign for the city. This had been a long-time goal of Becky’s.

Becky was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She was actively involved with many kid’s programs there. She also thoroughly enjoyed helping with the first communion dinners, and bridal showers seemed to be her specialty. She just loved decorating, cooking and baking for large groups of people. Becky was also in many Bible groups over the years.

Everyone that knew Becky, knew how much she loved her flowers. She was a true gardener. She was also part of The Spencer Garden Club.

Becky’s favorite yearly tradition was the Clay County Fair, and entering table settings with the help of her friends. Becky was an avid reader.

She loved spending her summers at the lakes. Her friends and her had season tickets to the summer theater and they made it a full night out with drinks and dinner. For many years, her and Bart had been in a card club. She was also involved with a stitch club. Becky had a large circle of friends. They were all important to her throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed being out and meeting new people, especially during her time working at The Hen House in Spencer and also when she was an inspector for the Iowa Bed and Breakfast Association. Most recently Becky joined Questers. And we can’t forget about Becky’s ability for shopping.

Becky passed away in the early morning hours of May 6th 2026 with her loving son at her side at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Becky is preceded in death by her husband Bart, her parents; her sister, Barb Morrison; her in-laws, Glenn and Cora Smoot; many brothers and sisters-in- law; cousins; and her furry friend, Colby.

She is survived by her son, Zane (Kristi) Smoot; nephews: Adam (Tessa) Morrison and their son, Emmett and Spencer Morrison; special cousins: Jay and Deanna Clasing, Sharon Anderson, Kim and Jeff Taylor; other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers for the service, the family is requesting those should be sent to someone to brighten their day, just as receiving flowers always brightened Becky’s day!