Arletta Jean Long-Smith

Arletta Smith went home to her Lord on Saturday November 25, 2023. It happened six days after her 96th birthday. She was the last surviving of her siblings; Cleone, Grace, and Violet.

Arletta was born on her parent’s dairy farm outside the small town of Boscobel, Wisconsin. Arletta was very bright and tied for High school Valedictorian. Very early in her life, she and her family became born-again Christians and she remain devoted to the Gospel Hall for the rest of her life. After working as a bank teller in Phoenix, Arizona, she met and married her first husband, Samuel Long. They lived happily for many years in San Diego and had one son, also called Samuel. Arletta’s husband Samuel died in 1970, at 45 years of age. In mid-life, Arletta enrolled at San Diego State University, majoring in Business and Computer science. After graduating with very high marks, Arletta took a job at National Cash Register as a Computer programmer. She quickly advanced to a position as Computer Analyst. She was successful, working for many years.

Arletta and her second husband, William Smith lived in her beloved home in San Diego. They had roses, oranges, figs, pecans, a hot tub and a little dog. Arletta and a group of neighborhood women swam together regularly. Bill and Arletta traveled to England, Scotland, and Ireland where Arletta’s first husband had relatives who are still there. They entertained many visitors and took them all over San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. When William Smith passed away, Arletta's niece Ruth Hoy and husband Tom were pivotal in moving Arletta from San Diego to Washington State. Arletta lived independently for over 5 years in a retirement home in Marysville, Washington and attended the Marysville Gospel Hall. She received the devoted loving care of her son and his wife Denise. Arletta loved puzzles, laughter and ice cream. She spent the remainder of her life in Leeside Manor, a wonderful Group Home. Her long full life ended quickly and peacefully.

Arletta is survived by her son, Samuel Long, her step-children Donna Ritchie and Glenn Smith and two beloved daughter-in-laws, Denise Long and Jacki Smith. Arletta is also remembered lovingly by other family and many others from all over the world.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that gifts in honor of Arletta be made to Hospice of the Northwest in Mount Vernon, Washington. Plans for a Celebration of Life will wait till next year.