Estelle "Edna" Smith

Edna was born in the small Mountain Valley Town of Cedar Glades, Arkansas on 17 November 1923. Edna was born to James William Martin and Clara Sexton Martin. Edna was the 2nd of 6 children. The Martin family moved to Santa Ana, California in 1936, in route their 6th and final child was born outside of Dallas Texas. Growing up in prewar Southern California, Edna attended Santa Ana High School. During WWII Edna worked at the Officers Club at Santa Ana Army Air Station, Santa Ana, California. Between the wars Edna worked at some of the early casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the Korean Conflict, Edna worked on Marine Corp Air Station, El Toro she managed the Dry Cleaners on the Air Station. Edna worked in all phases of culinary services, managing restaurants, dining and banquet facilities and all of our favorites… Doughnut shops. In 1942 Edna met and married Richard Bowie Smith, their union produced 1 son, Nelson Dennis Smith in 1943. Edna and Richard devoiced in 1947. In 1955 Edna married John William Leffler their union produced two son’s John Lester Leffler in 1955 and Robert James Leffler in 1958.

Edna was both mother and father, she was always ready to take her sons on road trips throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona even dropping down into Mexico several times. There were many trips up and down Highway 101, 99, 5 and even down Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway. We have seen the Spanish Missions, Historic San Simean or Hurst Castle, Winchester Mystery House, Fisherman Wharf, California State Capital, the Red Woods, a few Ghost Towns and then there was the winery’s, many Historic Winery’s. Countless weekends camping trips at the beach, desert, mountains, Salted Sea, and Colorado River on family trips and while supporting our Scouting activities and even being a Cub Scout, Scout Master.

Edna’s 3 sons barely scratch the surface of her legacy, a legacy which lies in her Children, and their children’s, children. Edna was preceded in death by both her parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Edna is also survived by her 3 son, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild. Edna is also survived by 1 Aunt (Opal Loeffler), 1 uncle (Roscoe Sexton) and 1 Sister-in-law (Donna Martin), along with countless cousins.

Edna, was a staunch Republican, who loved and supported our Nation and its founding principles. Edna cast her final vote during this latest mid-term election. Edna was also aware of the swiping victory of the Republican Party during the latest midterms.