Loretta Smith

Loretta Marie Wallace Smith was born in Helena, MT on May 13th, 1922 and passed away on September 27th, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Jennie and Elmer Wallace. Her father was a very kind and sweet man, hardworking and shy. Her mother was a gutsy and adventurous woman. She wasn't afraid to kill the many rattlesnakes that inhabited their Montana ranch, and often proclaimed that if they ever went to the moon she'd be the first in line. It's safe to say that Loretta inherited the best traits of each of her parents. The family also included two older brothers, Larry and Buzz, and a younger sister June. Loretta adored her siblings. She looked up to her protective older brothers who lovingly teased her and June (and each other) with a vengeance, but were always there to comfort when needed. Loretta and June were not only sisters, they were the best of friends. They were a close-knit family and growing up in the depression era only made them closer. In 1939 she married the love of her life, Roger Smith. Over the next 25 years they had 7 children together. Roger and Loretta loved to travel, they went to Mexico many times, took a round-the-globe tour and had a very well used motor home that saw many places. When Roger passed away in 1983, after 44 years of a wonderful marriage, Loretta continued her adventures, enjoying multiple cruises, going on an African Safari, taking trips to Europe, and countless other places. She also continued to take road trips in her 30-foot motor home until well into her 80's (and she did all the driving!) Loretta had moved from Montana to Newport in 1947, where she resided for almost 7 decades. However, a few years ago, she longed to regain her Montana roots so she and her daughter Jan purchased a home in Helena. She frequently made the trek between Newport and Helena and these were cherished times that invigorated Loretta. She shared a passion for antiques and home decorating with her daughters. In her later years, enjoyed a glass of white wine (or two). And we cannot forget about her beloved Pomeranians, Abby and Annie. Loretta was a kind and welcoming soul, gentle and warm to everyone she met. She had a fun and feisty personality with a fantastic sense of humor. And she loved her family with fierce devotion. Her family is heart-broken but grateful for the 94 - full of life - years she was with us. She is predeceased by her husband Roger F. Smith in 1983, and sons, Michael C. Smith and James J. Smith, both of Newport, OR. She is survived by her sister, June Virag of Helena, MT, daughters, Nancy Haener of The Dalles, OR, Diane Clainos of Lake Oswego, OR, Janet Fusco of Newport, OR and Gloria Vosen of Havre, MT and her youngest son, Brian W. Smith, of Sherwood, OR. Sadly, Brian passed away on September 30th, 2016, just three days after his mother. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. There will be a Rosary held for Loretta Friday night October 14th at 7pm and a memorial service will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a joint service and mass also memorializing her son, Brian. Flowers can be sent to Sacred Heart in Newport. Donations can be made in Loretta's name to the Central Coast Humane Society.

Tributes

Loretta Smith

May 13, 1922 - September 27, 2016