Vinita Ruth Smith

Vinita Ruth Smith, 90, died on March 8 at Alpine House in Joseph, where she had been a resident.

Vinita was born May 16, 1917, to Earl E. and Leilia H. Prout, 30 miles northeast of Joseph at the family homestead, and spent her entire life in Wallowa County.

She graduated from Enterprise High School in 1937. She married Max L. Smith on Sept. 27, 1940, in Weiser, Id.

In 1952, Vinita was employed as alteration and sales clerk at Harold's Woman's Apparel, and eventually bought into the business, which was sold in 1980. Vinita was an accomplished seamstress and made many quilts, Afghans and crocheted, embroidered and knitted items.

She was a member of the Enterprise Community Congregational Church and a member of the Emerald Rebekah Lodge No. 119 since 1944. She was also a member of the Soroptomist International Club of Wallowa County and worked at the Thriftshop after retiring from Harold's Woman's Apparel until the mid-1990s.

She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary No. 4307 since 1946. She always took part in community projects and activities her entire life.

She is survived by her son, Norman Keith Smith, Enterprise, daughter, Karyl B. Bohnenkamp, Aloha, and daughter Karen L. Wilson, Pendleton, one sister, Pearl E. Collinsworth, Enterprise; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and grandson, Todd R. Bohnenkamp, and her parents.

Memorial services will be held Monday. A family burial service will be held at 11 a.m. and a memorial service at 1 p.m. at the Enterprise Community Congregational Church in Enterprise.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson's Society or charity of choice.