Eileen Smith

Eileen Marie (Baker) Smith

Wednesday, February 4, 1942 ~ Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Eileen Marie (Baker) Smith entered this world on Wednesday, February 4, 1942, to Lester and Grace Baker. She was the sixth of nine children. Eileen graduated from White River High School in 1960, where she focused on business skills and became especially skilled at typing and working a 10-key.

Eileen's first job after high school was in the office at Rainier State School. During this time, she met the love of her life, Dickie Smith. They were married on January 12, 1963. Shortly before the birth of their first child, Eileen left her job to become a full-time mother. In December 1963 she gave birth to their first son, Donald Earl. One year and three days later, she welcomed their first daughter, Sandra Marie, in December 1964. Their family continued to grow with the birth of their second son, Douglas DeWayne, in March 1966; their third son, Dennis Russell, in June 1968; and their second daughter, Susanna Grace, in March 1971.

Eileen was a wonderful mother - loving, kind, and firm. After her youngest child started school in 1976, she returned to work as a bookkeeper at Albers Feed Store in Buckley, Washington. The store changed names a few times over the years, and she eventually retired from American Feed and Farm Supply in 2000.

Eileen loved her faith deeply and dedicated many years of service to her church. She served as the Religious Education Director for many years and was also a member of the prayer group and altar society. She volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and even helped clean the church. Eileen faithfully recited the Rosary every day, always adding those who were in need of prayer. She often led the Rosary at church and during special events. Eileen was truly a faithful servant.

Outside of church, Eileen enjoyed cooking and baking, bowling, hockey, rodeos and bull riding, visiting casinos, and attending family gatherings. She was famous for bringing her delicious potato salad to family events - a recipe from her mother that she had perfected. She also made wonderful homemade cakes and frosting for each of her children's birthdays. Most of all, Eileen loved attending her grandchildren's events over the years, taking fun road trips, going to the movies, and shopping.

On November 9, 2012, Eileen suffered a severe brain aneurysm that changed her life. She had always cared for others without hesitation, and now it was time for others to care for her. She spent eight months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. In July 2013, her family moved her to her daughter's home in Buckley. Many people helped care for Eileen over the years, but her daughter Susanna was her primary caregiver and advocate for her well-being. While all of her children helped whenever needed, Susanna went above and beyond. The family is deeply grateful for her kindness, dedication, and love for their mother. She truly is a saint.

Eileen now joins in heaven her beloved husband, Dickie Smith; her parents, Lester and Grace Baker; her siblings Les Baker, Gene Baker, Fran Baker, Patsy Prukop, and Donna Severson; and her great-granddaughter, Karmen Morales. She will rejoice in heaven in their arms and in the company of many other family members and friends.

Eileen is survived by her children: Donald (Micki) Smith, Sandra (Keith) VanHoof, Douglas (Charlene) Smith, Dennis (Rose) Smith, and Susanna Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Bennon (Hayley) VanHoof, Bryce VanHoof, Adrianne (Tomas) Morales, Martie Robertson, Sarah Smith, Jordynn Smith, and Gracie Smith, Ryan Landry, Taylor (Chris) Ranger, and Zachary (Katie) Landry; her great-grandchildren: Boyd, Hank, and Janie VanHoof; Charlie (Lizzy) and Kasidy Easley; Leeum Morales and Gavin Robertson; Henry, Evelyn, and Douglas Ranger; and Liam Landry and her great-great-grandchild, Elvira Easley. She is also survived by her siblings David (Nancy) Baker, Grace Anne Stansell, and Jay (Candy) Baker, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Eileen will be deeply missed by us all, but we will carry her memory and love in our hearts forever. We love you always, Mom.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

~ Psalm 147:3

In memory of Eileen Smith, donations may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church.