Special Notice - Memorial Service & Obituary for Bobbie Jo McKerron Smith

[FPCR Deacons Prayer List]

Special Notice – Gram from the First Presbyterian Church of Redding

  

Psalm 34:4

"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

 

 

Memorial Service for Bobbie Jo McKerron Smith

 

Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

2315 Placer St., Redding, CA

 

Bobbie Smith

 

 

January 24, 2017 (2017-9)

 

From the Redding Record Searchlight, January 24, 2017

 

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Bobbie Jo McKerron Smith

Redding, CA

December 16, 1912 - January 16, 2017

Bobbie Jo Smith passed away peacefully at home with family surrounding her on Monday, January 16, 2017. She was 104 years of age.

Born in Wintersett, Iowa, she grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, during the Great Depression and was one of the first women to go to college in the area. Almost every summer, she traveled by train to Redding to visit family and fell in love with the area and its surrounding mountains, rivers and lakes. She spoke of her memories touring Hat Creek, Lassen and Burney Falls on the back of a motorcycle in the early 1930's, dances and diving off the Diestlehorst Bridge prior to Shasta Dam being built. Upon returning to Missouri, she met and later married Raymond Smith. She never stopped talking about Redding and finally convinced Ray to come out to Redding and if he didn't like it, they would move back and she'd never mention it again. He also fell for the area and they settled in Redding and began a family consisting of Stephen McKerron Smith and Ruth Alice Smith. Bobbie was active in many women's organizations while raising her family in the 1940's and 50's, making life-long friends through her involvement with the groups, as well as bridge clubs, golfing at Lake Redding Golf Course, and later in life with her group of "Lucky Ladies". The group of 13 women would rent a houseboat and share navigating it, cooking, cleaning, etc., as the group aged, they rented large homes throughout the north state and continued their tradition. In the 1960's, Bobbie returned to school and completed her education by earning her degree and teaching credentials, which provided her the opportunity to teach 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades at Columbia School for 7 years. After retiring, she enjoyed golfing, extensive travel, bridge clubs, and spending time with friends and family.

Bobbie is predeceased by her husband, Ray, of 53 years, son Stephen Smith, and daughter, Ruth Alice Smith (Zeis) Buick. She is survived by her loving daughter-in-law and constant companion, Connie Smith; 8 grandchildren, Dale (Robin) Smith, Randy (Penny) Smith, Ray (Joyce) Smith, DeAnn (David) Roe, Kristin (Floyd) Smythe, John Zeis, Steve (Donna) Zeis, David (Linda) Zeis, 14 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren with at least 2 more on the way!

As an only child, Bobbie longed to have a large family. It was evident to watch her at family gatherings sitting back, and taking in her dream come true! Her family will remember the genuine unconditional love she gave to each of us. Recognizing our individuality, she never took a one-size-fits-all approach to her family, and made each of us feel as if we were her only grandchild. Likewise, our individual memories, love, and respect for her, are what will sustain us as we move forward without the woman who guided each of us with her care, concern, support and genuine love.

Bobbie's 104 years and one month of life will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church, 2315 Placer Street, Redding, CA. The church where she was a member for over 50 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Presbyterian Church, or Mercy Medical Center Hospice, 1544 Market St., Redding, CA 96001.

Please sign the guest book at http://obits.redding.com

 

Published in Redding Record Searchlight on Jan. 24, 2017

 

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