Sally Smith

Sally Lynne Smith 63, of Ashland Oregon died Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at Rogue Valley Medical Center of a sudden heart attack. A celebration of life will be held Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. at her home in Ashland, and on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. at her home in Murphy. Stephens Family Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Sally was born March 18, 1947, in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Jack E. and Winifred E. Smith. She graduated from Knoch High School in 1965, and from Pennsylvania State University in 1969 with a degree in physical education. She was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. She relocated to San Francisco in 1970 where she taught senior high school PE and was a tireless advocate for at-risk students. She began her move to Southern Oregon in 1975. An accomplished carpenter, she was the first woman to become a licensed general contractor by the state of California. She ran her own private general contracting business part-time while teaching, and later full-time after her teaching career ended. Sally was one of the first pioneers in the creation of women's land communities in Southern Oregon in the 1970s. She helped build many of the unique and beautiful dwellings in those communities, and changed many women's lives by using those structures to teach the art of construction. Passionate about country living and cooking, she was famous for her generosity and her gourmet dinners, barbeques and get-togethers around a bonfire. Sally was on the Board of the Abdill-Ellis Center and contributed to her community in many ways. At her request, a scholarship fund in her name for women pursuing a career in construction will be established at Rogue Community College. Survivors include two sisters, Joyce S. Brehm of Butler, PA and Carole S. Dickson of Renfrew, PA; a brother, Jack E. Smith of Bristow, OK; eight cousins, eight nieces and nephews and five great-nieces; many friends and her two dogs, Rosie and Biscotti.