Lois M Smith

“I was incredibly blessed to be holding my precious mother's hand as she passed into the arms of Jesus. She was so tired and ready.” She endured many illnesses…early age Strokes , COPD, and was a lung cancer survivor. She was a spunky little fighter who never let anything slow her down. With each diagnosis she looked at every day as a gift and triumphed through!

Born in Olympia, WA to Henrietta and Raymond Lichtenwalter on November 27, 1943. She is survived by her sister, Carol Plumlee, currently of Gig Harbor, WA. who’s loving cards, calls and texts during mom’s final journey brightened her days. William Lichtenwalter, though 20 years her senior, she loved and enjoyed her big brother and he fondly called her his “Little Sis.” He preceded her in death in 2007.

Lois attended Roosevelt Elementary, Washington Junior High and Olympia High School (formerly named William Winlock Miller High School.) Where she belonged to many Clubs and graduated in 1962.

Following High School, she began working for her favorite teacher Robert Hemphill at Skateland Roller Rink in Olympia. Through the years she covered a variety of duties, helping wherever needed. She also enjoyed working for Roosevelt Elementary School as a playground attendant. She loved children!

In 1964 she married Donald N. McCracken. In November of that year she gave birth to daughter, Donna Marie (currently of Townsend, MT) and in 1966 to son, Darrin Eugene McCracken (currently of Olympia WA)

In 1980 Lois began working for the Thurston County Health Department. She thoroughly enjoyed her work as a Records Clerk and developed many friendships that continued long after her retirement in 2006.

In 1993 she met Robert Donald Smith fondly known as “friendly Bob.” He had the “privilege” of meeting ALL of her family and friends at her surprise 50th Birthday party!! He survived, and they married June 4th of 1997. They had 18 wonderful years together before he passed in 2015. I’m pretty sure they were dancing together celebrating their anniversary this past month in Heaven. They were beautiful on the dance floor and spent many weekends at the Eagles Club “cuttin a rug”. They also enjoyed traveling in their MH to the beach with Westport and Ocean Shores being their favorite!

Through an invitation from a dear friend, Lois and Donna visited a Church in Lacey WA called Faith Assembly of Lacey, now True Grace Church. She would soon call this home, accepting Jesus into her heart. She and Bob were baptized in May of 2009. She Loved Jesus!! Not much would keep her from attending church and when she could no longer go, it was church on TV. She was a part of several Bible Study groups through the years even towards the end, getting herself there with her walker and oxygen.

She loved the color yellow, old church buildings , reading, taking walks, trips to the casino and The Mariners!! My Oh My!! Above all what she treasured most in life was relationships. She made friends easily and had the most generous heart! She was loved and adored by 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild!!

Her love for life was contagious and her witty and spunky personality brought us all so much joy!

We feel so blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, Sister and Friend. She will be missed by many.

Lois’ Celebration of Life will be held at Mills and Mills Funeral Home on Saturday, August 17th at 10:00 am.