Patricia Ann Wilson Smith

Patricia was born on April 8th 1930 in Lansing Kansas and was adopted at one month of age by Hazel and Lee Todd, living in various towns in Kansas. Showing her independence at a young age she started cleaning houses for people in Council Grove, Kansas. During this time she was informally adopted by “Aunt” Nettie and ”Uncle” Charlie Eden.

Showing her adventurous spirit she and friends headed for California right after graduating from Emporia High School in 1949. Passing through Odessa she saw a help wanted sign at Hopp Inn Cafe and took the job. This is where she met our dad, Edward Smith, who would order a hamburger and strawberry milkshake every day, just to see her. They were married October 30th 1949 in Coeur d’alene, Idaho.

Mom and Dad raised six kids on the family farm at Batum until moving to Odessa in 1966. Most important to mom was family. She would always manage to juggle work and family and did this graciously and without complaint. Many of her children’s friends would call her “Mom” and go to her for advice on many different issues. She never knew a stranger, she could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Striving to better herself she became an NA-C, EMT, and IV technician, and various other roles at the Odessa Memorial Hospital for 42 years and an EMT for 20 years. Mom was dedicated to her work and would always go to work when extra help was needed.

She was honored with the Arthur L. Crummet Award for EMT’s for outstanding performance and dedication. The Mayor of Odessa proclaimed Pat Smith day in her honor.

Mom was an avid reader and instilled her love of reading in her children. If mom wasn’t reading she was crocheting. Mom crocheted afghans for each of her children and grandchildren as well as baby afghans and Baptismal outfits for many of the grandchildren. Mom was the go to person for many wedding and birthday cakes not only for her family but many others in Odessa. No wedding cake would be complete without mom’s homemade mints.

Mom was a member of the Heritage Church, Royal Neighbors, EMT’s, and 4H leader. Mom never missed a year of chaperoning her daughter’s trips, to Grand Assembly for Rainbow Girls.

Patricia was proceeded in death by parents Hazel and Lee Todd, Nettie and Charlie Eden. Patricia is survived by her husband, Edward Smith of Odessa, Connie Renelle (Roger) Nelson of Wenatchee, Rick(Marilyn) Smith of Odessa, Joann(Johnny) Altizer of Wenatchee, Carol(Mike) LaPlant of Ephrata, Jim Smith (Sandy Libsack) of Odessa, Karen (Chris) Lynch of Cashmere. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Odessa EMT’s. PO Box 853 Odessa, WA 99159. Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday April 16th 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Heritage Church in Odessa Washington with John Hayashi officiating. Graveside service will be directly following at the Odessa Cemetery. Please sign the online guestbook a t www.stratefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Strate Funeral Home of Davenport, WA.

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