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Barbara L. Smith, 89

1930 — 2019

A morning arrived like she had ever expected before June 16, 2019. She was born on March 12, 1930, the oldest daughter of Dr. Mark L. and Camilla Higbee. Her sister, Julia Ann (Judy) was born 2½ years later. The family grew in the town of Kellogg, Idaho, remaining there through high school.

Growing up in Kellogg was a good experience and lots of fun. Children had room to roam and many activities to take part in. Schools attended in Kellogg provided a good education, including a marvelous music program. She enjoyed her studies, had an avid curiosity and graduated in 1948.

Upon graduation, she attended Oregon State University, where she met her husband, C. Robert “Bob” Smith. They started their family in Tillamook, Ore. Three years later the new family moved to Springfield, Ore. She was active in the local schools and church, serving as treasurer at the Episcopal Church. Later she worked for a county commissioner in Lane County.

She left Springfield to return to the Oregon Coast in Florence, Ore., where she became active in the Presbyterian Church. She loved entertaining friends and family at Greentrees on the Siuslaw River. Her greatest joy was spending time with her two grandsons, Cory and Joel, while they swam, played on the beach and just had fun.

In 2005, she reconnected with a previous family friend, George Zellick, from Montana, until his death in 2008. Following his death, she returned to Coeur d’Alene near Kellogg, where she joined her life-long friend, Sally Felton, and her family, where she shared many happy times. She lived a very full and happy life.

Barbara is survived by sons, Mark and Jim Smith; daughter, Jane Burgess and her husband, George Russell; grandsons, Cory and Joel Burgess; great-grandsons, Sterling and Calder; her sister, Judy Zink and niece, Lisa Mickola; special friends, Jim and Sue Zellick, and all the friends and family that touched her life.

A special thank you to Hospice of Idaho; special nurse, Lori; social worker, Stephanie and Dr. Ancker. I hope they know how much they meant to her and her family.

To see Barbara’s online memorial and to leave a message to the family, please visit www.englishfuneralchapel.com.