Mavis Matilda Smith

Mavis Matilda Smith, 95, passed away on March 4, 2013 at Regency at the Park. One of nine children, Mavis was born on August 1, 1917 to Arthur & Tarlie Gossett in Sedan, New Mexico. She married Virgil Smith in Hollis, Oklahoma on November 30, 1932. They lived in Texas, New Mexico, Oregon & Washington settling in Walla Walla in 1970.

Mavis & Virgil raised 7 children although 10 called her mother as she raised 3 grandchildren, Connie, Ronnie & Bodean as her own. Their home was always open to friends & family needing a place to stay. Mavis was a member of the Walla Walla City Seventh Day Adventist Church. She worked as a caregiver and cook while raising her family and loved to babysit her grandchildren.

Known as Granny to all, she loved to quilt & sew, make jelly & bake pies, often baking many at one time to share with friends & family. She enjoyed playing Bingo, especially with good friend, Charlotte, and loved playing Blackjack, celebrating her 95th birthday with a Blackjack party in her room at Regency.

Mavis is survived by her daughter, Loreta Guthrie, Burnet, TX; her sons, Dan (Beth) and Rex of Walla Walla, Kenny (Lola) of Central Point, OR, Larry (Melanie) of Coos Bay, OR, J.T. (April) of Strasburg, CO; 23 grandchildren; many great & great great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Tankersley of Midland, TX, Lilly Burress of San Antonio, TX and Delores Townsend of Apache Junction, AZ; sisters-in-law, Lettie Gossett of Silver City, NM & Viola Gossett of Arkansas and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; son, James Kootsey; son-in-law, Billy Joe Guthrie; granddaughter, Melissa Smith; grandsons, Lee & Vernon Smith; great grandson, Richie Jenkins; sisters, Helen Cox, Easter Brogden & Ollie Easley and brothers, Jason & Calvin Gossett.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 12:00 PM at the City Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Mark Etchell officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in College Place, WA. There will be a reception & Celebration of Life for family & friends following the graveside service at the City Seventh Day Adventist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the City Seventh Day Adventist Church through the funeral home.