William "Bill" L. Smith

William L. "Bill" Smith, 79, formerly of La Grande, died Dec. 31 in Portland with his three daughters at his side.

A funeral mass was celebrated Jan. 10 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Meridian, Idaho. Burial followed at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Bill was born Sept. 4, 1929, in Pocatello, Idaho. He was one of four children born to Samuel and Lucy Smith. He met the love of his life, Joyce, in Pocatello, and they married in February 1949. During their married life, three daughters were born. Bill's career with Albertsons lasted 35 years. He then worked another 10 years in the food industry with Schwanns.

After retirement, the Hawaiian sunsets in Kona became a part of their lives and the island became their home. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, corresponding with his friends, fishing and chasing golf balls. He also enjoyed listening to music and working in his flower garden. He was a member of the Elks and La Grande Country Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Linda, and her husband, Mike Shields, of Canby, Joyce and her husband, Jim Ritter, of Portland, and Billie and her husband, Dana DeChambeau, of Boise; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; two sisters; and his wife of 53 years, Joyce.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2676 S. Vista Ave. Boise, Idaho 83705.

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