Katie Mae Smallwood, 77, a Baker Valley resident, died July 10, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
Her memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Coles-Strommer Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Pastor Ralph Holcomb will officiate.
Mrs. Smallwood was born Jan. 1, 1924, at Sundance, Wyo. She was the only daughter of Frank and Jenny Mae Wells Chaffin. She was raised in the Black Hills and received her education at Sundance and Gillette, Wyo. She later taught school in northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana.
She married Roy E. Smallwood on Jan. 12, 1946, at Broadus, Mont. They lived at Sheridan, Wyo., moving to Columbia Falls, Mont., in 1954, where they farmed. In 1984, they moved to the Keating area of Baker County. They ranched in the area until Mr. Smallwood’s death in February 1991. Mrs. Smallwood continued to run the ranch until her retirement in 1995.
She was always a cowgirl and probably roped more animals and broke more horses then most cowboys today. She was born and raised on a ranch and loved working with livestock and animals. She enjoyed gardening, reading and liked listening to country music. Her favorite place was outside with the animals she loved.
Survivors include her son, Marvin D. Smallwood of Baker City.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baker County 4-H programs through Coles-Strommer Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814. Family and friends who wish to make contact with Marvin may write to him at P.O. Box 901, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: The Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 13, 2001
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
