- Born on: October 18, 1942
- Departed on: September 19, 2025
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Raarda Stilwell
Raarda (Smith) Stilwell, age 82, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on September 19, 2025 in Cedar Rapids.
Raarda was born on October 18, 1942, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the daughter of Erwin L. Smith and Lida Viola (Haehlen) Smith. Raarda grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from Cedar Falls High School. She attended Iowa State University before completing her degree in Home Economics Education at Iowa State Teachers College.
On August 11,1962, she married John F. Stilwell. After college they moved to Spencer, Iowa and then later settled in Grundy Center. Together they shared a loving marriage until his passing in 2017. They raised two children, Annemarie (Jon) Hamborg and Doug (Jama) Stilwell. Raarda was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherishing her five grandchildren—Brenna, Thomas, Frances, Sophia, and Lucille. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Cheryl (Smith) Coffin.
Raarda dedicated her life to caring for her family and supporting her community. She worked as a homemaker and later served as a church secretary at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, where she was an active and faithful member. She was deeply involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, always cheering them on in their many activities.
Her greatest joys came from simple acts of love—baking, sewing, and creating a warm and welcoming home. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. Raarda’s quiet strength and devotion to others touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
A private interment will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Raarda’s honor to a charity of your choice.
Raarda was born on October 18, 1942, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the daughter of Erwin L. Smith and Lida Viola (Haehlen) Smith. Raarda grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from Cedar Falls High School. She attended Iowa State University before completing her degree in Home Economics Education at Iowa State Teachers College.
On August 11,1962, she married John F. Stilwell. After college they moved to Spencer, Iowa and then later settled in Grundy Center. Together they shared a loving marriage until his passing in 2017. They raised two children, Annemarie (Jon) Hamborg and Doug (Jama) Stilwell. Raarda was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherishing her five grandchildren—Brenna, Thomas, Frances, Sophia, and Lucille. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Cheryl (Smith) Coffin.
Raarda dedicated her life to caring for her family and supporting her community. She worked as a homemaker and later served as a church secretary at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, where she was an active and faithful member. She was deeply involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, always cheering them on in their many activities.
Her greatest joys came from simple acts of love—baking, sewing, and creating a warm and welcoming home. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. Raarda’s quiet strength and devotion to others touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
A private interment will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Raarda’s honor to a charity of your choice.
