Evelyn Jean Smith

Jean was born in Prosser, Washington, on September 12, 1917, to Irwin Howard and Evelyn (Summers) Howard. She was quite proud of her mother’s Scottish heritage. Jean moved soon after with her family to Yakima. She attended Roosevelt Grade School, Franklin Junior High, and graduated from Yakima High School in 1935. After attending business college and working two years, she enrolled at Washington State College (now Washington State University) in 1937, was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and graduated in 1941 with a B.A. in Home Economics. After graduating, she taught at Port Townsend High School.

Jean married Army Lt. Maurice Smith, whom she met at a college exchange dinner between the Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Sigma Nu fraternity. They were married on December 28, 1941 at Fort MacArthur, California, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They have made their home in Yakima since the end of World War II. Jean was a member of Yakima’s First Presbyterian Church, Chapter BD of PEO and various social organizations.

For eight years she was the local office manager for U.S. Congresswoman Catherine May and traveled with her around Washington’s 4th Congressional District. For twelve years starting in 1972, Jean was office manager for Maurice’s architecture firm, both retiring in 1984. They both enjoyed gardening and traveling. Their desire was to see the world and they saw much of it. She also much enjoyed current events. Jean was an excellent teacher, a great wife, skilled office manager, a terrific cook, wonderful homemaker, and a loving and doting mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her husband Maurice Smith of Yakima; sons Philip Smith of King City, Oregon; Douglas Smith and daughter-in-law Katherine Smith of Seattle; four grandchildren - Geoff and his wife Valerie of Aliso Viejo, California; Emily of Tigard, Oregon; Scott of Los Angeles; Virginia of New York City, as well as two great-grandsons Harrison and Wesley, children of Geoff and Valerie. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers George and Donald Howard. Donations may be made in Jean’s name to the Yakima Symphony or to the donor’s choice.

A celebration of Jean’s life for family and friends will be held at a future date to be determined by the family. Arrangements are by Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima.