Ida Ruth Smith

Ida Ruth Smith, 96, passed away April 9, 2011 in her home with her children by her side. Services will be held at Valley Fellowship Church on Palmer Ave Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Daniels-Knopp Funeral Cremation & Life Celebration Center is in charge of arrangements.

Ida Ruth Sherman Smith was born October 14, 1914 to Franklin and Esther (Whaley) Sherman in Darr, Nebraska. The family moved to Powell, WY for a short time then on to La Grande in 1924. She has lived here for the past 86 years. She attended school here graduating from La Grande High school in 1934.

Harvey W. Smith and Ida were married in1936. She was widowed in 1968 and has spent the rest of her years enjoying times with her children and their families. She enjoyed working in her yard, traveling, and quilting; completing a quilt for each child, grandchild, and great grandchild.

Ida aspired to be 1, a beautician, 2, teach or have a day care and 3, to be a nurse. She said she felt like she had completed all three because she cut and permed hair for family and friends; took care of children in her home, reading and working with them; and finally becoming a nurse. She worked at Saint Joseph Hospital until it closed then worked at the Grande Ronde Hospital until she could no longer work because of a disability.

She has been a member of the Eagles Lodge Auxiliary for 60 years, participating on the drill team for several years. She was also a member of the Methodist Wesleyan Circle. For the past 40 years her Thursdays were spent with a close-knit group of friends. For several years the "girls" have enjoyed lunches a time or two at all the restaurants in La Grande.

She is survived by her six children; son, David L. Smith and his wife Marolyn, a daughter, Maxine Saling of La Grande, son Carl L Smith and his wife Barbara of Salem, OR, son Rodger H Smith and his wife Anita of Boise, ID, daughter Charlene Hall and her husband Don of Tri-Cities, WA and daughter Christine Shurtliff and her husband Dan of Vancouver, WA.; one brother, Wayne Sherman from Burbank, WA., 21 grandchildren and 36 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey, her parents, and eight siblings.

Those who wish may make contributions in lieu of flowers to the Valley Fellowship in care of Daniels~Knopp 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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