So sorry to hear of Uncle Ellwood's passing, wonderful man who will be missed.

As I read obituaries I notice that everybody is said to be in Heaven. I know that my father-in-law is there because as a young man he realized he couldn't get there by anything that he did. He accepted the sacrifice Jesus made for him on the cross for his sins. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. 
I"ve been thinking about Smitty and some of his character traits to help you understand who he  was. He was kind of in the background. Everybody else was noisy and loud and telling stories. But he was there enjoying it all and making sure it happened.
He started working at a young age and his work ethic was amazing. When he was in the tire business he would have people drive hundreds of miles because he was honest and had integrity.
He loved his wife and was faithfully by her side through the good times and some really difficult times. 
He stood by her and his family. He loved his family and would give them the shirt off his back.
My favorite memories of him was when he and Laurel came to visit us in the Philippines. There are stories of that time that just make me howl with laughter. I will miss him. 
Thank you Smitty, Dad for being such a good father-in-law

Deepest sympathies on Uncle Ellwood's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Joel and Lori Smits

Smitty was a wonderful father and husband. He had a good testimony in life as he served his Lord in both work and private life. We love you dad and we miss you, but we know that you are with the Savior now.  No more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow.  Mike and Beverly Smits

I was sorry to hear about Smitty's passing.  He was always a good neighbor to my son, Ken Cooke.
I always admired how neat and pretty his lawn was.  He will be missed.  You have my very deepest sympathy.

Melva Cooke

It is with a heavy heart that I sit down to share my memories of Grandpa. As early as I can remember, he always provided sanctuary and relief from the trials and tribulations I faced while growing up. It was through his strength and convictions that I was inspired to become the man I am today. It was through his love and gratitude that we were all blessed to have our hearts touched by him. 

Never will I forget the great times we had:
Camping in the old VW Bus. 
Enjoying Disneyland and having to hear about the old ticket system.
Learning to bait a hook, throw the perfect cast and reel in the biggest trout. 
Learning to sight down the barrel and knock down a diet coke can with the BB gun. 
Sledding down the snow at the cabin.
Watching him build a fire to keep us warm. 
Learning to butter bread all the way to the edge.  
Getting (2) coins and (2) cups for treats to enjoy at the shop, while playing in the huge tire. 
Listening to his Latin prayer. 
Getting handed one more crepe even though I had reached my limit several crepes ago. 
Enjoying a meal and entertainment at Medieval Times.
Laughing...and then laughing some more. 

As I became a man, I began to notice all the things that made Grandpa who he was. I aspired to be more like him in everything I did. Whether it was helping those in need or working hard to provide for my family, I patterned my life from his example. He nurtured my appreciation for the Lord, and he showed me the sanctity of marriage and how important the vows are. These things cannot be measured nor taught, they must be learned through precedent. 

In celebration of his life, I pledge to continue to be a model for future generations to understand what it means to be a great father, husband and disciple; just the way Grandpa did for me.  He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Beloved Grandpa,
As the tears fall down my cheecks I am in celebration taking a trip down memory lane with Grandpa. 
As a little girl, you would come out of your office at the Tire Shop with 2 cups and 2 dimes for the candy machine. Generously filling up one cup with peanut M&Ms and one with Boston Baked Beans. I can smell the tires and the greese as you hold me on you lap. Then there were the early morning smells of breakfast , usually Crepes which you will always be famous for. As the tears flow I chuckle remembering how much you disliked my leather jacket as a teen and even offered to pay me for it. When my first daughter was born you drove me thru a sandstorm while I was in labor and for years we laughed together about this. Remembering when we did the Atkins diet together and would go to the gym. Calling each other often to see who lost the most weight that week still fills my heart with joy. As you got older you would laugh when I would say, " I am on my way Grandpa and we are going for a run!" Even our last conversation you said " I wish I could sweetie..." While there are so many more memories and many more tears,I am so very honored to have been your granddaughter. Today you are finally at peace and free of aches and pains. Loving and appreciating you and the times we shared.
With Graditude and Love ,
Jeannine

OBITUARY

Ellwood E. "Smitty" Smits

July 22, 1929 – July 16, 2015

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

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