Patricia Louise Smith, 86

Pat left us for a better place on Sept. 21, 2014, and the world is less for it.

Patricia Louise Smith - or Pat to those who knew her - was born in Southern California on Jan. 15, 1928, and grew up in Studio City, Calif.

Despite growing up around Hollywood golden-age celebrities, it took the likes of James Smith to really impress her. Jimmy first caught Pat's attention after giving her extra green stamps at the filling station. After a second meeting they had their first date. Jim proposed three months later and, after a six-week engagement, Jim and Pat were married.

Their marriage lasted 64 wonderful years, spanned Jim's tours in the Navy and gave them three children. Pat's love for her children was fierce and constant, and matched only by her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love was not to be restricted; spouses of her children and grandchildren became like her own, readily welcomed, equally loved and fully supported.

Family was not just important to Pat. It was everything. Her love for her family was steady, abiding and rooted in presence - she made every excuse to be with family and often traveled hundreds of miles for a few short hours to be together. She was not flashy and didn't need to be the center of attention. Instead she created space for family to gather and delighted at being together.

Those who met Pat found her to be kind, warm-hearted, and accepting. But for those who were lucky enough to share in her life, she was a constant and abundant source of love and support. Whether it was raising their children together with her closest friends or watching her beloved Lakers, packing everyone into a VW Bug for a trip to the store or traveling across the country to be at her grandkids or great grandkids events, Pat showed up fully. Always loving, always supporting. In all manner of life's circumstances she stood in support and gave of herself so that those around her knew they were loved.

Even at the end of her life, Pat was only interested in taking care of those around her, making sure everyone knew that everything would be all right and reminding them how she loved them. She was a strong, consistent, gentle and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Pat leaves us with her quiet confidence, gentile strength, and unbroken love. She will be carried in the hearts of her husband, Jim Smith; her six children: Steve and Patti Smith, Frank and Melinda (Lindy) Thomas, and Dave and Susie Bailon; her ten grandchildren and their spouses; six great grandchildren (with two more on the way); and her brother, Gary Stafford.

We love and miss you!

A memorial service to celebrate Pat will be held at 2 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 26, at the Yates Funeral Home in Hayden, Idaho. Please visit Patricia's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com