Vida Jean Smith Obituary
Vancouver, Idaho, United States
September 23, 1928 - March 29, 2016
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Vida Jean Smith Obituary
Sep 23, 1928 - Mar 29, 2016
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Vida Jean SmithSeptember 23, 1928 - March 29, 2016Vida Jean Wallace Smith, 87, of Boise, Idaho, and formerly of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 29th, 2016. Vida was born on September 23rd, 1928 to Conley Roscoe and Erma Almira Metteer Wallace in Vancouver, Washington, and was the 4th of 5 children. She grew up in Klamath Falls and Adrian, Oregon, where she attended grade school, and later moved to Nampa, Idaho, graduating from Nampa High School in 1946. Vida attended cosmetology school in 1946-1947, and worked in a beauty salon in Wendell, Idaho. Cutting hair was a skill she used throughout her life, benefiting both family and friends.She met Charles Joseph Smith in Wendell, Idaho and they were married on April 12th, 1948, in Boise, Idaho at the First United Methodist Church. They lived in Boise before moving to Pocatello, Idaho where they raised three sons and one daughter.Vida held a number of part time jobs throughout her life to help support her family; working the soda fountain at Gate City Pharmacy, taking advertisements for the Thrifty Nickel, and social work for University of Idaho Extension Service social worker, teaching new mothers and low income families the importance of nutrition, often taking them food and clothing from her own home. Her life passion, however, was being a homemaker and mother. She was an excellent seamstress, capable of both creating and remaking anything from drapes to clothing for her family and herself, and she was an amazing cook taking after her mother, Erma. Vida was a loving mom and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were always the first priority in her life. She was a great listener and her kitchen table was a warm and welcome place for her kids and their friends as theygrew up. This nurturing extended to her nieces and nephews; she was their friend and favorite aunt. Vida taught her children about faith in God, and the importance of giving. Walking, camping, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, bowling and playing card games were some of her other interests. She enjoyed going to Jackpot to see shows and play the slot machines. Vida was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She had fun wearing the red hats and purple clothes, and being part of this women's group who's charter epitomizes Vida in so many ways: 'To pursue fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness…'Vida had an uncanny ability to 'make ends meet'. She was frugal but had such a generous and loving heart. She volunteered in many meaningful ways throughout her life: Pink Lady volunteer at Saint Alphonsus Hospital; Morrison Center hospitality volunteer; Member of the Boise Assistance League, working in the thrift shop and supporting Operation School Bell that helps dress elementary children; hospitality desk volunteer at The Cathedral of the Rockies, where she was a longtime member.She had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Vida looked at the witty side of life. She never met a stranger, making friends with everyone she came into contact with, just like her dad Conley. Vida was a true character and will be remembered by all for her great sense of humor, her smile, and the delightful twinkle in her pretty blue eyes.Vida is survived by three children, son, Steven D. Smith (Debra A. Smith), Boise, Idaho, daughter, Tana J. Smith, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and son, Clayton D. Smith, San Diego, California; 5 grandchildren, Jeremy R. Smith (wife Carrie Smith), Meridian, Idaho, Angela M. Ackerland (Anthony R. Ackerland), Star, Idaho, Melissa K Luras (Christopher J. Luras), Murray, Utah, Kodi Smith Doty (Jeremy Doty), Tacoma, Washington, and Jaime C. Knowles (Brandon Knowles), Phoenix, Arizona; 13 great grandchildren; and brothers, Blaine Wallace (Marianne Wallace) and Arnold K. Wallace (Lois A. Wallace).Vida was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marie Nichols; brother-in-law, Wade Nichols; brother, Miles W. Wallace; sister-in-law, Leta M. Wallace Schroeder; son, Galen J. Smith; and grandson, Jesse C. DeRusha. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016 at Morris Hill Cemetery, 317 N. Latah Street, Boise, Idaho, with Pastor Emeritus Steve Tollefsen officiating. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.relyeafuneralchapel.com.Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Vida's life, immediately following the service at Louis' Italian Restaurant, 2500 East Fairview Avenue, Meridian, Idaho.
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