Birdell Smith

Birdell passed away August 9, 2024 at home. She was born on September 24, 1931 in El Dorado, Arkansas, to parents Percy and Mattie Smart. The family moved to Banning, CA where her father ran a dairy. Their next move was to Fresno, CA. where her father farmed 80 acers, mostly cotton and alfalfa. Birdell became involved in the farming process driving tractors during the baling season. Summer, found her working in an uncles grape vineyard and various fruit drying sheds.

Birdell’s compassion and caring attitude came at an early age. While still in grade school, she volunteered to care for and assist a younger handicapped girl, during the noon hour. She graduated from Edison High School in 1951.

On January 6, 1951 she married Joseph Smith. When Joe was drafted, she moved to Glendale, CA where she worked for the Telephone Company. Upon Joe’s return from Korea, they moved to Kerby, OR. Where they resided for 10 years, having 2 children, Kathy and Terry. Not one to be idle, Birdell kept busy selling mason shoes and giving Stanley Home Product Parties as well as being a reporter for the Ollinoid Valley Newspaper. At the time, Birdell joined the Girl Scouts, and was active in various capacities for the next 30 years.

After the move to Grants Pass, OR. In September 1963, she was a CAN and Social Service Director at Mariola Nursing Home for 14 years. The next 18 years were spent at Oak Land Retirement as a Caregiver and Med Aide. She retired in 2009 to care for her husband of 58 years of marriage. Birdell is survived by her daughter Kathy, Grandsons, Brad (Danielle), Caleb and Jacob (Sherri), Great Grandchildren, Dillon (Sara) and Abbigail. Her Great Great Grand Children, EzMay and Beckham. Her Sister-in-Laws, Zada and Bobby and many nieces and nephews and her close friend and go to Handyman, Lee Burton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, son, Terry and sister Vernell. Services will be held October 25th, 2024 at 11:00am at Chapel of the Valley, 2065 Upper River Road, Grants Pass OR. Interment will follow at Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, OR. In lieu of flowers, she would like donations made to the Josephine Country Humane Society, 1420 Brookeside Blvd. Grants Pass, OR 97526, 541-474-5458.