La Grande, Oregon
Geraldine Iphiginia “Gerry” Smith, 95, of La Grande and formerly of Elgin, died April 7 at her home.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the La Grande New Life Center, 10700 Walton Road. Private burial will be at the Elgin Cemetery. Viewing will be held tonight from 4 to 6 at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 Seventh Street.
Gerry was born on Nov. 15, 1912, to Ernest John and Lydia (McBean) Ross in Adams. She graduated from Weston High School and met her future husband, Richard “Lee” Smith, while cooking for the harvest crews. They married on Oct. 28, 1942, in Lewiston.
The couple moved to Elgin in 1945. In the late 1950s through the 1960s they ran Smith Dairy on Valley View Road and sold milk and cream to the people in Elgin.
She was very involved and a past Matron of the Rebekkah Lodge. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards and working puzzles. She loved to dance and spend time with family.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Harold Lee and Judith Smith of La Grande; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth “Ann” and Steven Galloway of Elgin; six grandchildren; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by sisters Florence Wishart and Mildred Tucker.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Senior Center, which she and her husband had been active in over the years.
La Grande Observer, Obituaries for the week ending April 12, 2008