Nellie Smith

Nellie J. Smith was born on March 5, 1914, and fell asleep in Jesus on February 22, 2012, just twelve days before her 98th birthday. Nellie was born in Crofton, Nebraska but completed high school in Hermosa Beach, California before marrying Glenn Smith on October 4, 1931.

Their son Richard was born before Sandra joined the family, and they moved to Fortuna, California. After another move, Nellie drove school bus for the West Liberty Adventist School in Gridley, CA and taught classes in Home Economics. Later, in La Selva Beach, Nellie found employment in the cafeteria at Monterey Bay Academy where she enjoyed interacting with the students.

In 1972, Glenn and Nellie retired in College Place, Washington where they enjoyed a very active life which included many camping trips & car trips to visit family including Frances, her step-daughter who was an important part of Nellie's life. Nellie also kept busy with volunteer work for her church and Walla Walla General Hospital.

After Glenn's death in 1998, Nellie moved to Moses Lake in 2001 to be near her daughter Sandra. She enjoyed the interaction with her Seventh-day Adventist Church family and regularly attended Community Service work days and Bible Studies.

On Wednesday, February 22, after a brief illness of only two days she fell asleep peacefully in Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, son Richard, and step-daughter Frances. She is survived by her daughter Sandra (Darayl) Larsen, Moses Lake; brother Dale Martin, of Chino Hills, CA, twelve grandchildren, two "adopted" granddaughters, seventeen great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the Moses Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1601 West Valley Road, Moses Lake, Washington followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 12, 2012, at Mount Hope Cemetery, College Place, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crestview Christian School Student Assistance Fund through Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla, Washington 99362.

Friends may write memories and sign the online guestbook at www.mountainview-colonialdewitt.com