Nov. 10, 1917 – March 14, 2014
Luveta Smith, 96, of Sweet Home died March 14, 2014.
She was born Nov. 10, 1917 in Holdenville, Okla. to Winifred T. and Theodocia E. (Bernard) Trimble.
She attended school in Spaulding, Okla. and was valedictorian of her graduating class.
She married Jack B. Smith in Cimmaron, Kan. in 1938. They made their home together in Highfill, Ark.
After a business failure Mr. Smith obtained work in the oil fields and they lived and worked in various cities in Texas. During World War II he was drafted into the Army and Mrs. Smith went to live in California near her family. She obtained work with Standard Oil Company. Following the war both of the Smiths worked for Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif.
In 1949 they moved to Sweet Home, to live near Mrs. Smith’s parents and sister. She started working for Dr. Langmack in 1950 and worked several years in his office. In 1967 the Smiths moved to Portland to help their daughter. During the years they lived in Portland, Mrs. Smith was employed by Emmanuel Hospital as a Medical Insurance Clerk.
They joined First Baptist Church in 1949 and enjoyed many years of membership there, making lifelong friendships. They also enjoyed years of wonderful fellowship at Elm Street Baptist Church and she attended Sweet Home Mennonite Church for many years. Mrs. Smith was a born leader and a wonderful teacher. She got her start teaching Sunday School at First Baptist and continued doing it through much of her life. She also led other groups such as Women’s Missionary Union, youth group, Bible studies, Vacation Bible Schools, and much later in life became an Awana Leader.
She loved children and was her happiest surrounded by them. She hosted slumber parties for her Awana girls in her 70’s. She was also a delightful hostess, and enjoyed sharing her home. She always managed to fit everyone in who needed a place to stay. You could never show up at her door, and feel unwanted.
She lost Mr. Smith in 1987 and it was then that she obtained her first driver’s license, at age 68. Soon she was traveling to Eagle Creek, near Sandy, and to Olympia, Wash. to spend time with her family.
Luveta loved her family passionately and nurtured them all with unconditional love throughout her lifetime. She was cherished by all who knew her.
Her faith in God and her willingness to serve and lead impacted many lives through the years. She was a woman of godly wisdom.
She is survived by her son Eddie B. Smith (LaTrona) of Prairie City, and daughter Sara S. Fesler (Frank) of Weiser, Idaho; five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her brother, Herbert Trimble of Pueblo, Colo., and sisters Hazel Johnson and Kathy Shockey, both of Sweet Home.
Viewing will be 3-7 p.m. Wednesday March 19. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Gilliland Cemetery. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. also Thursday, March 20 at Sweet Home Mennonite Church, 1266 44th Avenue, Sweet Home, Oregon.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.