Jean Elizabeth Smith

Jean Elizabeth Smith, 96, passed away peacefully November 4, 2018 in Portland, OR after a long struggle with Dementia.  Interment will be at Riverview Abbey in Portland.

Jean was born July 8, 1922, in Portland, OR, to Jean and Joseph Cull.  She graduated from Wilson High School and then graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Portland.  In 1946 she met and married her husband, Kenney D. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1991.  She is survived by her daughter, Geraldine Hankins of Sherwood, and her son, Kenney Smith of Cebu City, Philippines, one niece, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren.

Jean spent her life caring for the sick.  She worked at St. Charles Memorial Hospital in Bend and then at Merle West Hospital in Klamath Falls.  She enjoyed helping people and nothing gave her more joy that seeing a patient healed.

Jean was an avid bowler, fisherman, and reader.  She bowled in two different leagues in Klamath Falls into her early 90’s.  Her bowling friends were very special to her and she never met a bowler that she could not start a conversation with.  Jean and Kenney, along with their children, spent many days trout fishing on the lakes and rivers around Bend and Klamath Falls.  When not bowling or fishing, Jean loved to read novels.  During her later years, she would read several books a week and collected a huge library of her favorites.  She always had a cat at her side.  Her most recent cat, Fancy Face, resides with her daughter in her forever home.

Jean will be forever remembered by her family and those who knew her as a kind, caring, compassionate person and will be missed by those who love her.

As per Jean’s request, no service will be held. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local cat shelter.

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