Sharon Kathleen SMILEY

1943 - 2016

SMILEY,
Sharon
Kathleen
(Age 73)

Sharon Kathleen Smiley was born on August 5, 1943 in Portland, OR to Gust and Renartha Blum. Sharon primarily grew up in Marysville, WA with her parents and only sibling, Lavon. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1961.
Sharon married Michael Smiley, on June 15, 1968. They were married at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Everett, WA. The couple resided in Tacoma, WA for one year and then relocated to Edmonds, WA. Sharon and Mike then moved to Spokane, WA in 1972. After living and working in Spokane for a number of years, in 1992 Sharon and Mike made their dream of living on a farm a reality and settled on 80 acres in Nine Mile Falls. There they grew hay, had a beautiful garden and raised many "critters" including dogs, cats, angora goats, chickens and a llama.
Sharon's work experience started as a young girl in the strawberry fields of Marysville, WA. As an adult, Sharon learned the art of cake/pastry decorating at a Spokane cake shop, Girtz Cake where she worked from 1982 until 1985. Sharon, a skilled artist, enjoyed decorating so much that in 1985 she and her close friend, Sherry Bybee, opened their own shop. Thanks to the hard work of their husbands, Mike and Ken, the friends opened Classy Cakes on N. Lincoln in 1985 and later moved the business to a commercial shop on Northwest Boulevard where they owned, operated and built the business. Sharon and Sherry enjoyed many years' together and created beautiful works of art for others. Blessing others, rather than just making money, was their ultimate goal.
Sharon retired from Classy Cakes in 1995 and then went on to volunteer at the Union Gospel Mission and Anna Ogden Hall for the next four years where she continued to serve others. In both locations, she volunteered her time in the clothing room; a positon called an "Attic Angel" at Ogden Hall. In 1999, Sharon returned to work decorating in the Albertson's bakery. She worked there for six years and retired, for a second time, in 2005. Although retired, Sharon continued to bless others with her beautiful cakes. She donated birthday cakes and holiday treats for residents at Wind River Assisted Living and the Spokane County Juvenile Detention center for many years.
Sharon was a devout Christian. She met Jesus in 1971 and a wonderful journey began between her and her Lord. Mike stated, "She gave her heart to Jesus Christ" and her faith was a big part of her life. Sharon and Mike attended a number of churches in Spokane over the years and found a home in Spring Hill Bible Church. Sharon was a loyal servant to her Lord and others. She was a loving presence in her community. Words that come to mind when describing her are humble, selfless, kind, hard-working, practical and creative.
Sharon enjoyed doing crafts, spinning yarn, painting, volunteering, gardening, and doing whatever she could at church to help out. Sharon was a member of the Four Mound Homemakers Club and the Spring Hill Grange #909.
Sharon Smiley passed away on October 10, 2016. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Michael Smiley (Nine Mile Falls, WA); her sons Scott Smiley (Arlington, WA), Eric Smiley (Seattle, WA), Justin Smiley, daughter-in-law Darcie, and granddaughter Corbin (Phoenix, AZ); and sister, Lavon Woodey (Everett, WA).
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Charitable contributions can be made to the Spokane County Jail Ministries, Spring Hill Bible Church, ADRA.org (Adventist Development and Relief Agency).
Visitation will be on Sunday, October 16th at 11:00 AM and service at 2:00 PM.