Mabel Lorene Smith

MABEL LORENE SMITH
Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and compassionate friend to all, passed away into the arms of her Lord and Savior peacefully on October 21, 2010. Born toparents Elmore and Burlettie Willis, her life's journey started in Kettle Creek, Kentucky, on January 14, 1923. She was the first born of eight siblings, which included two brothers and five sisters. She learned from an early age the strength that came from close family values, which she carried with her the rest of her life. After her family moved to Oklahoma, she finished her schooling and met the love of her life. Married in Yuma, Arizona, on December 20, 1941, Andrew B. Smith and Mabel started down life's pathway together as one and stayed that way to the very end. Their love and devotion to each other, God, and family was without question. They started their lives together with God at the center of their marriage and family - faith in God, strong morals, values and family unity were always instilled. Going to church and family time were always a must. Having spent the early years of their marriage after the war in California and Oklahoma, they moved their young family to Myrtle Creek, Oregon, in 1956 where they spent the rest of their lives. Mom's days were filled with caring for family, friends and neighbors. She could never get enough of having her family close to her. Her kids, grand kids and great-grandchildren were what she lived for. They always made her eyes light up. Mom always loved to garden and work in the yard. I don't believe there was ever a flower that she didn't like. She spent endless hours starting new starts. Mom's compassion for others was never more evident than the years she spent working at the nursing home. She would spend countless hours sitting with and ministering to the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of those that had no one else. She was preceded in death by her loving husband: Andrew, her father and mother: Elmore and Burlettie Willis; brothers: Paul and Clifford; and sister: Thelma. She is survived by sisters: Nellie Hunt, Lois Brown, Helen Felker, and Glenda Armstrong; daughter: Oteala Nelson and husband, Richard; son: Randall Smith and wife, Patricia; daughter: Sedonia Berg and husband, Dave; grandchildren: Wyvonna, Byron, Vanessa, Julie, Shawna, Katrina, Michael, Nicole and Brittney; great-grandchildren: Denom, Laken, Jasmine, Jared, Jenna, Draxton, Vandar, Neykah, Andy, Talan, Elijah, Bailey and Makayla. Even though Mom came to the end of her pathway here, we know she's catching up with Dad, close family and friends and gardening , too, where the sun shines bright in her heavenly home. As Mom always said "I love you more than you'll ever know".
Memorial Services held at 1:00pm October 23, 2010 at the Myrtle Creek Church of the Nazarene.