Barbara Kathleen Smith passed away on June 12, 2022 at the age of 88.
Barbara was a long time resident of Grass Valley, CA and later, Orangevale. She was a devoted mother to Terry Best, Jill Armstrong (Steve), Cheryl Enders, Paul Smith (Trina) and Sandy Smith. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Paul, Bob and Ethan Best, Trevor Armstrong (Kathryn), Garrett Armstrong (Alysia), Vanessa and Jeremy Smith and Lauren Bell (Ricky), as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Arthur and Stevie. She also leaves behind her cherished sister Marilyn King, dear brother and sister-in-law John and Teresa Roland, along with beloved nephews and nieces and her life-long best friend, Meredy Keller. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents, Jack and Gwen Roland, as well as her beloved husband of 53 years, Art Smith.
Barbara was born May 2, 1934 in San Francisco, CA. She attended Palo Alto High School, where she met her husband Art, and graduated from San Jose State where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She became an airline stewardess for United Airlines shortly after college. Barbara and Art were married in 1957 and she joined the Palo Alto Medical Clinic as an EKG technician where she worked for over 25 years. In her early 50’s she followed her passions of art and decorating, becoming a successful interior designer.
Barb and Art moved to Grass Valley, CA in 1991 where they enjoyed the best years of their lives together. They loved hosting and attending dinners with their Wine and Dine group, as well as costume parties and numerous other social gatherings with great friends. Barbara was passionate about helping others. She was active in Welcome Wagon and met many close friends through her involvement there. She volunteered for Living Well, a crisis pregnancy center in Grass Valley, as well as assisting the homeless in obtaining meals and temporary shelter through the Interfaith Ministry. Barbara was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of St. Joseph of Cupertino for many years and later of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Grass Valley.
Barbara was well loved by all who knew her. Her family will be forever grateful to the caring staff at Almond Heights Senior Living where she lived the last 7 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated July 8, 2022 at 1pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 235 Chapel Street, Grass Valley, followed by a reception at The National Exchange Hotel, 211 Broad Street, Nevada City. Donations may be made in her memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Living Well Medical Clinic.
