I met Ray and Smitty probably the first or second week after Smitty returned from the war. We became instant friends. Smitty & Ray's first job was to find a home as well as applying for a teaching job. I met Ray and Smitty through the Jaspers. Our first get together was an afternoon event where we met Ray and Smitty and had lite snacks....oddly enough, we didn't play cards. We made a date to get together soon for cards however, and our path was set.
Ray and I were special friends because she looked after Dick while I was working. Later she also watched Ron. So Ray and I saw alot of each other.
My feeling is that we were close enough to be sisters. On summer trips north we would stop in to see Ray's parents and sister, so we were more than just friends; we were family.  I miss Ray, but will always savior wonderful memories such as our Saturday night parties, silly Christmas exchange parties, and camping trips to Yosemite. It's been a wonderful life together with our Pinochle Gang.

The Smithers were part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Not many group of friends stuck together for as many years as our families did...I say we were an extended family going way back, and what a gift/lagacy this was to all of us kids. It is with sadness we say goodbye to RaymaDean, but great rejoicing also for the lives of all the folks part of this "Pinochle Gang." 
                                                             Dick and Cheryl Manhire

I remember RaymaDean from about 4 yrs on. Mom took me to the Smither's home for day care. I felt like I was part of the family from then on. 

Pinochle club times were always great. Camping at Big Sur and especially at Yosemite was certainly a highlight at the start of each summer. This group of families became very close and it made for a wonderful experience for a young person. Downeys, Walkers, Baldwins, Jaspers, Manhires, Smithers. I am so grateful for these times and the closeness we're still sharing as the second generation.

We got to celebrate Rayma's 87th (I believe) in Banning with her, Lynn & Mike, Sue & Charlie, Jeanne & Efrem plus children and grandchildren. We brought Ruth along then too, and it may have been the last time they were together in person. Ruth even  stayed at Rayma's house - the two ladies by themselves. The weekend was a wonderful occasion and reunion. 

Joanne and I returned in Aug 2013 to see the Smithers again. The photo is from that visit. We enjoyed playing dominoes with Ray one afternoon. She loved company and we loved being there with her. 

I certainly cherish the times with the Smithers. Good times enjoyed by all. 

We send our sympathy to the family for your (and our) loss, but with wonderful memories that will live in all who were touched by her forever.

All the lives of the "Pinocle kids" were enriched by the Smither family. Love vikki

My parents were friends with the Smithers and played Pinochle together with a group of dear friends for over 50 years.  All we kids were raised together and I've had the privilege of knowing Raye and family literally my entire life.  I will always cherish the childhood memories of camping in Yosemite and Arroyo Seco and getting together for the parties at Christmas, New Year's, 4th of July and when the adults played cards.  My deepest sympathy to Jeanne, Suzie, Lynn and their families.  Your Mom was a special lady to all of us “kids”.  I know she will be greatly missed by all.

OBITUARY

Rayma Dean Smither

August 21, 1922 – January 19, 2015

Weaver Mortuary and Crematory

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