Patricia Opal Smith

Obituary, Patricia Opal Smith March 22, 1930 ~ September 1, 2008 Patricia Opal Smith of Monmouth, Oregon passed away Monday September 1, 2008 at her home, at the age of 78. Patricia, the 2nd child of Ralph and Opal McCuistion Kester, was born in Corvallis, Oregon on March 22, 1930. She grew up on several farms in the Polk County area. The first farm was at the Stump Place east of Suver and then her family moved to Wellsdale which is now in Camp Adair area. Her family was displaced by the start of WWII and the construction of Camp Adair. The family then moved to the Perrydale area, where she was active in sports and many clubs, graduating from Perrydale High School in 1947, as the class Salutatorian. She attended Oregon State College for two years and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. In the spring of her freshman year, she met Lyman Smith on a blind date arranged by friends. The next winter, they were engaged, and then married on August 27, 1949. Shortly after, they moved to the family farm between Suver and Airlie, where they raised their family and farmed for many years. In 1977, the family farm was sold and they later moved to Monmouth. Patricia was involved in many activities including 4-H, Women of Agriculture, Monmouth Garden Club, Monmouth Parks and Recreation and was a past president of the Polk County Historical Society, where she was currently and active member. She participated in floral arranging at the Polk County Fair and the State Fair for many years. During this time she was involved in helping set-up the Polk County booth at the State Fair. At home she was very involved with her children's activities and this continued on with her grandchildren and great grandson. She loved flowers, gardening, baking pies and politics. She is survived by her husband, Lyman; Four children, daughter Jan Gustafson and her husband Barry of Corvallis; sons, Terry Smith of Monmouth, Tim Smith and his wife Debbie of West Salem and Scott Smith of Independence. Six grandchildren and one great grandson. She is also survived by brothers, Ernest Kester of Salem, Richard Kester of Albany and sister Louise Polo of Hemet, California. Funeral Service will be held 11:00am Tuesday September 9, 2008 at Farnstrom Mortuary in Independence. Private interment will be at Restlawn Memory Gardens. The family suggests remembrances be made to the Polk County Museum, PO Box 67, Monmouth, Oregon 97361.