Josephine Anne (Joanne) Smith

Josephine Anne (Joanne) Smith passed away on Sept. 28, 2021 at the Lodge at Eagle Ridge.

Josephine Anne “Joanne” Smith passed away on Sept. 28, 2021, at the Lodge at Eagle Ridge, her home for over nine years after a lengthy illness. Joanne was born on March 19, 1933, and was raised in Aberdeen and Centralia, Washington. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1951.

Joanne is survived by daughters Rachel (Chuck) and Janet (Walt), sons Andrew (Lorrie) and Russell (Kelly.) She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and other loving family members. Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years Oliver (Ollie), her father Joseph Scoralle, her mother Aurelia, stepfather Donald Miner, and her brother, Donald Scoralle.

Joanne’s father offered to pay for her to attend Grays Harbor Community College. However, one of her cousins helped her get a job at the National Bank of Commerce. While in Aberdeen, Joanne met the love of her life, Ollie, while attending Grays Harbor Free Methodist Church. They had a long-distance relationship via love letters, while he was serving in the military. The couple were married on Aug. 15, 1953, and lived in Seattle while Ollie finished his teaching degree at SPC (now SPU.)

Joanne was able to transfer to the Queen Anne branch of the National Bank of Commerce riding the bus to work because she didn’t drive at that time. Joanne eventually became a full-time stay at home mom, not uncommon at that time, and raised four children, while Ollie worked. Joanne eventually went back to work part-time, then full-time at the Community Bank of Renton, working her way up to an auditor, and also serving as an officer at the bank. After being off of work for a time, she worked part-time at Meier’s House of Clocks at Southcenter.

Joanne was an amazing cook. When family gathered, there was always a lot of food involved. One of the family favorites was her spaghetti! Holidays were lively times and many great memories were made. Joanne enjoyed having family at the house.

Joanne and Ollie also enjoyed spending time with the many friends that they made during their time together. A constant in their lives were picnics, games, cards and bunco nights with family and friends and/or neighbors. Joanne and Ollie were also very active in the churches they attended throughout their time together. They also enjoyed square dancing, traveling and watching their favorite sports team, the Seattle Mariners!

Joanne will be missed by her family and all who knew her. She was a kind and compassionate person. A special thank you to the loving staff at the Lodge at Eagle Ridge (GenCare) community, the Valley Medical Center team and her team of doctors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GenCare, The Lodge at Eagle Ridge, 1600 Eagle Ridge Dr. S., Renton, WA, 98055.

A private service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home. By family request, this is by invitation only.