Lavonne Carole Reser

Lavonne Carole “Vonnie” Smith Reser, 91, passed away August 3, 2026, in Walla Walla, Washington.

Vonnie was born March 11, 1935, in Walla Walla to George and Mabel (Caufield) Smith, the third youngest of ten children. She spent her early years in Lowden and the Horse Heaven Hills before the family later moved to Thorne Street in Walla Walla. Farming was a way of life for the Smith family. Her father farmed extensively in southeastern Washington and also owned farmland near Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

As a girl, Vonnie worked alongside her sisters in the cook wagons, preparing and serving meals for the crews working the family farms. Those early years gave her a lifelong connection to farming and an appreciation for the hard work and people behind it.

Vonnie graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1953. During her senior year, she was active in Grenno Se Cee and Art Club, served as a Minute Girl and Big Sister, and helped with Associated Student Body card sales. She enjoyed being involved and helping others, qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

Vonnie was a talented artist with an eye for details others might miss. She loved reading the comics and would create comics of her own, often finding humor in animals and their personalities. Her drawings reflected both her creativity and her wonderful sense of humor.

Her parents owned Barrett’s shoe store in Walla Walla, where Vonnie worked for a time. Later in life, she was often on the go helping her sons with farm errands or lending a hand wherever she was needed.

On February 24, 1957, Vonnie married Edwin A. Reser. They later divorced, but together they had three sons: Raymond E. Reser, Byron G. Reser, and William D. Reser.

Family was an important part of Vonnie’s life, and she especially loved visiting, talking, and spending time with her sisters. The Smith sisters shared a close bond throughout their lives, and there was rarely a shortage of conversation when they were together.

Vonnie also had a great love for animals, especially dogs. She had a soft spot for stray cats as well, and many found a reliable meal waiting for them outside her home. Caring for animals came naturally to her and was one of the quiet ways she showed her kind heart.

Vonnie is survived by her sons, Byron G. Reser and William D. Reser and his wife, Shawn; her grandchildren, Matthew T. Reser and Benjamin D. Reser; her sister, Shari A. (Smith) Richmond of Walla Walla; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Raymond E. Reser; and her siblings, George “Pug” Smith, Elmer Smith, Marguerite “Margie” Ballard, Frances Wright, Lilly Figgins, Grace Jessee, Louise Andrews, and Glenadean Smith, who died at birth.

Vonnie will be remembered for her artistic eye, her sense of humor, her love of a good conversation, her devotion to family, and her tender heart for animals. Her life remained closely connected to the farms, people, and places of the Walla Walla Valley she called home.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla FFA or the Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.