Carol Jane Smith

Our Mother, Carol Jane Smith, was born in the spring of 1942 in Ronan MT, to a world at war. The US had begun the first peacetime draft ever, in 1940 and when her father, Bill Erickson, checked in with the draft officer, he would need to find work in the Seattle shipyards or be drafted. He left for Seattle, with a group of men on November 11, 1941. On December 7th, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Her mother, Thelma, stayed at the White cabin Motel in Ronan MT until Carol was born. Bill returned on May 20, 1942, loaded up the family and moved them to Bainbridge Island, WA.

Mom often said some of her best memories were made on Bainbridge Island where she grew up with many of her cousins. This is also where, at 8 years old, she heard God calling her to follow in his way. This commitment proved to be an anchor to her throughout her life. She grew up in a home where, on Sunday morning, the church met for fellowship, where the Servants of God were welcome to stay and where many family gatherings happened. 

Mom was 12 when they moved to the farm in Gerrard Creek, out of Oakville Washington. Here she became known as “Heidi” the goat girl. Because of her love for animals and especially for her herd of goats. In high school, she was class president, editor of the acorn annual and involved in many school events. She played the flute and sang soprano in an eight girl choir which placed first, one year, at a contest in Ilwaco. 

In November 1959, at the age of seventeen, Mom married our Dad, Kenneth Smith. Over the next twelve years they had eight children. As a young family they purchased the farm in Independence Valley. After their home was destroyed by fire in 1967, a new job with the State Hwy department moved them to Ellensburg, WA. Mom's greatest love was her children. She had a green thumb and always had a large garden. She tended to and milked our 2 family cows, Diamond and Snowflakes. There were many gatherings of family and friends around the dinner table. Many lasting friendships were formed in these years.

Our family moved back to the farm in Independence Valley in 1980 and when our parents separated, she needed to work outside the home, Mom naturally depended on her experience, caring for others and her animals. She cleaned homes and helped the elderly. She also began to sell beef from the little herd she carefully maintained. She loved her little spot in the woods where the deer would visit and occasionally a bear. In 1990, her mother moved in and she cared for her until her death in 2011. She enjoyed keeping close touch with her graduating class of 12 students. She always looked forward to the Erickson Cousin Reunion on Bainbridge Island where many of her 52 first cousins gathered. 

She was blessed with 5 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her computer password always included some arrangement of their initials. Something she had no problem remembering.

She had an exceptional memory and loved hearing all the details. We will miss her wealth of knowledge, her sweet smile, and her hugs. It seems appropriate that when she passed away, she was giving her last hug. Mom would have celebrated her 80th birthday on April 3rd.

Carol was preceded in death by her granddaughter Tazzalyn Lewis, son Allmon Smith and her parents William and Thelma Erickson.

She leaves behind:

Her children Kathie (Mark) Roberts (Benton City, WA), Jeanne Lewis (Oak Harbor, WA), Suzie Smith (Kansas City, MO), Doyle Smith (Rochester, WA), Merlie Smith (Rochester, WA), Mitchell (Bobbi) Smith (Oakville, WA) and Kevin Smith (Kelso, WA).

Her grandchildren Amanda (Adam) Sherrill (Lenexa, KS), James (Elisabeth) Roberts (Walla Walla, WA), Mikayla Smith and Maleaha Smith.

Her Siblings Lillian Nelson (Alliance, NE), Herb (Dorothy) Erickson (Denver CO) and Bill (Glenda) Erickson (Ellensburg, WA).

She also leaves a large extended family and many dear friends.

All are invited to join our family in honoring our mother.

Visitation is at Newell Hoerling Mortuary (205 W Pine St, Centralia, WA 98531).

Funeral Service with Potluck Luncheon to follow is at Swede Hall (18543 Albany St. SW, Rochester, WA 98579). Masks are not required.

All are welcome at the Graveside Service Monday March 14th, 11AM at the Grand Mound Cemetery (6300 183rd Ave SW, Rochester, WA 98579).

if you are unable to come to the Saturday service and would like to listen in, use 857-799-9634

if you want to watch the Saturday service the video link is below. Our friend, Matt will start the video a half an hour before the service so you can see the picture slideshow if you wish But the actual service will begin at 11AM

Matt Ishler is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Carol Smith Service

Time: Mar 12, 2022 10:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 875 3759 7641

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