Velma Belle Smith

Velma Belle Smith, age 89, of La Grande, died Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at a local care facility. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in La Grande with Pastor Cyril Stephens officiating. Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Viewing will be on Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mrs. Smith was born on March 3, 1916, the daughter of Pearl and Hezekiah Villines in Ponca, Arkansas. On October 14, 1944 she married Erasmus "Ross" Smith in Seminole, Oklahoma. They moved to La Grande in 1945 when Mr. Smith was honorably discharged from the military. Mrs. Smith was a beautician and owned and operated the Bob Shop (now the Hair Boutique) for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and was a good Christian woman. She belonged to a Ladies Prayer Circle and a former member of the Knife and Fork Club. She loved her flowers and feeding animals.

Survivors include her sister, Willa Hickman of La Grande; sister-in-law, Darlene Villines of La Grande; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Her husband preceded her in death on March 20, 1991. She was also preceded in death by four brothers.

Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the charity of choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.