Lola Nell Smith

Lola N. Smith passed on May 22 at her home surrounded by family. She was born at Simpson Corner near Athens, Tennessee to Thelma and Paul Simpson July 30, 1928, the youngest of two. At the age of 3, the family moved by train to Spokane, Washington.

The family lived outside of town, and she talked about riding a horse in two feet of snow to the main road to catch the school bus. Lesson learned, don’t complain about walking to school.

In 1946 Lola graduated from high school. Her best friend’s brother introduced her to the love of her life of 50 years, Tom Smith. On their wedding day, Tom had to shovel a ¼ mile path to her house. Lesson learned, love finds a way.

In the next 5 years they would bring Diane and Gene into the world. In 1958 the family moved to Seward, Alaska. Lola drove the Alcan in one car and Tom drove a moving truck. The Alcan at the time was like driving on a two track today. They drove through the forest fires, camped and bathed in the rivers, a great adventure for a little boy. Lola secretly packed a present for Diane’s birthday so she wouldn’t miss her special day while they were on the road.

The first year was a tough adjustment for her. But she soon immersed herself in the way of life in the new state. Most of the family’s food was picked, fished or hunted, including moose, caribou, grouse, and ptarmigan. An avid bowler, Lola joined a bowling league, making many friends and winning state and national tournaments.

The 1964 Alaska Earthquake, registering 9.2, had a huge impact on the family. Seward was largely destroyed by tsunamis and fires. Tom, the Civil Defense leader, was gone for three weeks while Lola walked the family to a friends’ house 3 ½ miles outside of town, carrying sleeping bags. The friends had a well and outhouse, helpful since water and sewer lines had been damaged. Lesson learned, it only takes 4 ½ minutes to change your life forever.

Lola was an accountant for the city and later Seward General Hospital. When Tom came off the pipeline they sold their properties, bought a motorhome and traveled the western U.S. rock hunting. They settled in Casper where their daughter and son-in-law owned the Dairy Queen.

Lola worked at the Hilton and later Woods for Men in accounting until she retired. Tom and Lola became co-owners of the Dairy Queen where she decorated cakes and did the books. She loved working in her beautiful garden, babysitting great grandchildren, spending Saturday mornings having breakfast with Machelle Kirby and her mother, and pampering her dogs. During this time, she would build a Dairy Queen family relationship with Rhonda Nickerson, Kary Dornek, Kathy Dickman and her sister, Sherry Rose.

After Tom's passing, she spent winters in San Diego visiting her brother, Jack. She returned each spring to take care of her gardens well into her 80's.

Lola was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her brother Jack, and one great grandson Cameron Blackford. She is survived by her daughter Diane Friedly (Gary), son Gene Smith (Carlla), grandchildren Heidi Pierce (Friedly), Cecillia Pruitt (Friedly), three great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Lesson learned, Lola’s final words: “It’s been great.”

A memorial service will be at Bustard’s Funeral Home on June 14th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Casper Humane Society or Central Wyoming Hospice.