The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Oct. 19, 1930 – Oct. 16, 2020

Ralph Smith, 89, of Sweet Home, died Oct. 16, 2020.

He was born Oct. 19, 1930 in Salmon, Idaho to Pete and Amelia (Rodonavic) Smith.

He grew up in Salmon, Idaho, moving to Sweet Home in 1957.

Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1956.

He worked as a LeTourneau log stacker operator for Bauman Sawmill and Willamette Industries for 35 years.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters Melinda and son-in-law Michael Laube of Eugene, Tammy and son-in-law Scott Drahn of Corvallis, Rhonda Melton of Hamilton, Mont., and Valerie Roberts of Corvallis, Mont.; stepson Gregory Shaffer and daughter-in-law Connie of Lebanon; siblings Bob Smith of Salmon, Idaho, Millie Vaughan of Dallas, and Marie Dermengiev of Pacific City; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Smith in 2000; brothers Pete Smith (1977), Eli Smith (1986), Sam Smith (1993), and George Smith (2009); and sisters Mary Garland (1970), Eva McGraw (1998), and Lillian Chandler (2018).

A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Lewis Cemetery.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements