Marilyn Ruth Smith

(May 13, 1931-July 29, 2008)
Marilyn Ruth Smith, Lake Almanor Peninsula resident of 15 years, passed unexpectedly last Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at Enloe Community Hospital in Chico. Jimmie, her husband of 57 years, and her children were by her side.
Born May 13, 1931, in Yuba City, California, to the late Chester and Laura (Coats) Metcalf, she spent her early years in Yuba City before moving as a young teen to Wheatland. There she attended Wheatland High School and graduated as a member of it's Class of 1949.
Marilyn went on to attend San Jose State College, where she met James "Jimmie" C. Smith, who knew right away that she was "the one and only." The couple married on April 14, 1951 in Yuba City. From this loving union, two sons, Michael and Jeffrey, and two daughters, Patricia and Maureen "Dede," were born. Jimmie entered the United States Air Force and, as a career military family, the Smiths traveled the world and resided throughout the United States and Far East Asia, eventually settling in the Sacramento area upon Jimmie's retirement. After 21 years in Sacramento, the couple moved to the Lake Almanor Peninsula in 1993. It was Lake Almanor where Marilyn found many friends who were so special to her.
Marilyn was a fourth-generation California girl, a Life Member of the Wheatland Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and was active for many years as a leader with the Rainbow Girls. She loved the water and sun, and for many years taught swimming and water safety lessons to countless numbers of children, including her own. She will be remembered for her dedication and commitment to the Fire Sirens Thrift Shop benefiting the Volunteer Fire Department here in Lake Almanor. One who loved a good game of cards, it is said by many friends who competed with her that she was an avid and excellent Bridge player; better to be her partner than her adversary! And Annie, oh yes yes, she did love Annie. And Hawaii, and Tahoe. She loved a lot.
Marilyn's passion in life was that of caring for her family and ensuring as much stability as possible to her husband and four children. She ran a tight, orderly and very happy ship, wherever that ship did sail. She loved to laugh with others, and at herself (and oh what a fun laugh and pretty smile she had), and enjoyed a good practical joke, mostly if she was the joker. She was a wonderful wife and mother, a special friend, trusty confidant, devious co-conspirator. She was an amazing spark of life.
In passing, Marilyn leaves her loving husband of 57 happy years, Jimmie, also of Lake Almanor Peninsula, son Jeffrey Smith of Crescent Mills, California, daughters Patricia Heath and her husband Bob of Sacramento, and Maureen "Dede" Wyatt and her husband Ray of Cameron Park; brother James "Jimmy" Metcalf and his wife Lynn of Lincoln Hills, California, and their children Robbie, Leslie and David, cousins Dorothy Coats and Gordon Coats, and her precious grandchildren Jessica and Devin Newell, and Carole and Hank Heath. Not only her husband and four children, but her four grandchildren and countless friends, too, considered Marilyn, mom and grandma, sister and aunt, a special, most loyal friend, and we will miss her dearly.
Her son, Michael, her lifelong friend Betty, and many family and friends have already welcomed her.
A private celebration of Marilyn's life will take place at a later date. An opportunity to express your condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Marilyn's memory be made to the Help Wounded Veterans Association, c/o Fehrman Mortuary, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.