Obituary of Lois Ella Smith

Lois Ella Smith May 21, 1915 ~ April 3, 2008 “Ella” to those who knew her, passed from her life on this earth on April 3, 2008. Internment was at Masonic Memorial Park following a family graveside service at 1PM, Saturday, April 5, with the Rev. Don Shipley presiding. Ella was born to George and Bertha Tappe in Bremerton, WA, graduating from Bremerton High School in 1933. She continued her education at the University of Washington, leading to a Bachelors Degree in Education (Home Economics). She married the late, Alonzo Z. Smith in November of 1944, and moved to the Olympia area in 1945. She and her husband ran “Smith’s Greenhouse” on Boulevard Rd. in Olympia until the early 60’s when she returned to college, attending Pacific Lutheran University to receive her Masters degree in elementary education. Ella then taught school at Roosevelt and Madison Elementary schools from 1963 until her retirement in 1983. After her retirement, Ella remained active in the community, serving as a Sr. Health Insurance Benefits Advisor through the Lewis – Mason – Thurston County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. Ella was an avid hiker, photographer, and gardener and she enjoyed traveling. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Olympia, the American Association of University Women, the Tuesday Trotters, and the Thurston County and Washington State Retired Teachers Associations. She is survived by: two sons & daughters-in-law, David E. and Lynda Smith of Langley, BC, and Gregory E. and Kathy Smith of Savannah, GA, two grandchildren: Andrew Smith of Vancouver, BC, and Paul Smith of Calgary, AB, and five great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by: her parents, George and Bertha Tappe, a brother, Phillip Tappe, and her husband, Alonzo Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church 1224 Legion Wy. SE Olympia, WA 98501 or The Nature Conservancy Attn: Treasury (Web/Support) 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203, USA (800) 628-6860 Please leave your memories of Ella and condolences for the family by clicking on the "view guestbook" link below.