Sondra Jean Smith, 48

1965-2014

On the morning of June 26, Sondra Smith, a beautiful wife, mother, and heartfelt friend to many, left this life to be with her Heavenly Father. With her husband and children by her side, she slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

Sondra was born on December 10, 1965, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to Eugene and Bonnie Arledge. She joined older sibling, Art, and twin brother, Mike. Later on, the family added sisters Kathy and Christy. Sondra's difficult childhood with alcoholic parents was lightened by her grandparents, Art and Helen Arledge, who inspired her to be a Godly woman. They were a great example for Sondra to follow. The time she spent with them helped her to become the legacy she lived, and the love she showed everyone in her life.

Sondra graduated from Hellgate High School in Missoula, Mont., in 1984. She met the love of her life, Keith, when he picked her up on her grandparent's steps for a blind date on March 13,1989. Sondra paid for their meal at the Garden Restaurant because Keith left his wallet at home. They fell in love, and spent the next 26 years together with God as their glue.

Sondra called the inspirational people in her life "Silks." Her definition was the cracks in a gemstone like a ruby, the flaws or imperfections that made that particular gemstone priceless, as the friends and family in her life were.

Sondra's hobbies and interests were vast and included hunting and fishing, camping, quilting, and being a super mom to Racheal, Damond, Ty, and Shania.

Sondra was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and fathers-in-law, Tom Smith and Don Ross. She is survived by her husband, Keith (Spirit Lake, Idaho, and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska); daughters: Bailey and Olivia; sons: Damond of Kellogg, Idaho, and Ty, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; daughter, Shania, of Spirit Lake, Idaho; step-daughter, Racheal (Nick Kerfoot), of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; mother-in-law, Shirley Ross, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; brothers-in-law: Todd (Shelley), Shane (Stephanie), Travis (Julie), Jason (Rebekah), Chad (Tara), Scott (Becky); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel; graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 3, at MacArthur Cemetery in Naples, Idaho. Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Sondra's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com