Josephine Arellano Conkling passed away in her sleep on November 14, 2022 at Crystal Ridge Care
Center in Grass Valley, CA. at the age of 83. Private funeral services will take place November 18 under
the direction of Hooper & Weaver, final resting place at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery.
Josephine was born in Martinez, Ca. and raised in Pittsburgh, Ca. She was the 10th child to Jose and
Celestina Arellano their last child. And she was the last to pass away. At the age of 7, she was diagnosed
with Congenital Cataracts. Surgery was unsuccessful leaving her blind, with only light perception and
color recognition. Wanting the best, her family sent her to the Berkeley School for the blind. Upon
graduating from Berkeley High School, she began teaching Braille to newly blind. Soon she met a
gentleman named Ronald Smith, who was totally blind due to a truck accident at 19 years old. Together
they married and started their life together. She was a devoted housewife and mother, cooking nearly
every night. They had two daughters, Anna and Kellie and lived the American dream, bought a house,
trips to fun places and a family like people with sight.
Josephine or as most knew her as Josie, went back to college and held a teaching position with Society
for The Blind for 25 years. She loved to hike in Yosemite, rafting, skiing and bowling. A guide dog or two
and a few cats were always part of the family. She also worked with the NFB, National Federation for
The Blind to advocate on issues that affected the handicapped.
She is survived by her daughters, Anna Smith-Limme, Kellie Melby. Granddaughter’s, Jessica Limme and
Danielle Limme, many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff and nurses at Crystal Ridge Care
Center for their kindness and care especially through a difficult time during Covid.
She will be missed by family and friends, she amazed us all.