Geraldine "Gerry" Iphiginia Smith

Geraldine Iphiginia "Gerry" Smith, age 95, of La Grande and formerly of Elgin, died April 7, 2008 at her home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Grande New Life Center, 10700 Walton Road. Private burial will be at the Elgin Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street.

Mrs. Smith was born on November 15, 1912, the daughter of Ernest John and Lydia (McBean) Ross in Adams, Oregon. She graduated from Weston High School and met her future husband, Richard "Lee" Smith, while cooking for the harvest crews. They were married on October 28, 1942 in Lewiston, Idaho. They 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 local patrons 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 spending 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; grandchildren, Crystal Galloway, Kimberly Galloway, Terrell Jewel Galloway, Robert Harold Smith, Richard Lee Smith and Mariel Gerry Smith; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by sisters, Florence Wishart and Mildred Tucker.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Smith to the Union County Senior Center, which she and her husband had been active in over the years.