Doris Louise Smutz

Doris Louise Smutz, age 93, of La Grande, died Monday, March 3, 2003 at her home.


A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church with The Rev. Mark Schlessman and Pastor Irwin Smutz officiating. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.


Mrs. Smutz was born on January 25, 1910, the daughter of Harry Nathan and Anna Maude (Wright) French in Butler, Missouri. When she was 10 years of age the family moved to Roswell, Idaho where she graduated from high school. In 1929 she moved to La Grande and worked as the secretary of the First Christian Church. On December 1, 1938 she married D Smutz in La Grande. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1984.


Mrs. Smutz was a very active member of the First Christian Church. She was the church pianist and played in the church orchestra for many years and taught Sunday School and accompanied children's programs. She played piano for the local nursing homes until she was 92 year of age.


Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Irwin and Carole Smutz of La Grande; daughter, Donna Dee Clark of La Grande; grandson, Nathan Smutz of La Grande; sister, Wilma Geibel of Salem; brother, Ivan French of Warsaw, Indiana; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth W. French and John French and sisters, Dorothy Cates and Mildred Coffin.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Smutz to the 1st Christian Church to purchase Children's Choir Robes in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.