Dianna Jo Smith's Obituary
Dianna “Dee” Jo Smith (Bodell) may have been the bane of every plant she stubbornly tried to grow, but she successfully planted and nurtured happiness in all the people around her—especially her doting family.
It is with great sadness that the family of Dee Smith, 78, of Olympia, announces her passing on February 19, 2020.
Born January 12, 1942, in Iowa City, IA, Dee was the daughter of the late Joe and Constance “Connie” Bodell. Dee is survived by her husband of 58 years William “Bill” Hoke Smith and her three children—Kelly Smith of Olympia, WA; Guy Smith (and wife Christine “Chris” Eder) of Bellingham, WA; and Chrystie Jones (and husband Russell “Russ” Jones) of Salem, OR—and her two grandchildren (Alex and Ally Jones). Dee will also be fondly remembered by her two brothers—James “Jim” Bodell of Macon, GA, and Clifford “Cliff” Bodell of Portland, OR—and cherished by her numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Dee was a Scout leader, cheerleading coach, and stalwart early childhood educator in San Bernardino, CA, Honolulu, HI, and Tacoma, WA; she even earned a degree from Pierce College in Lakewood, WA, in her 50s, to improve her teaching skills. Teaching others’ children, coaching championship cheer squads, leading Girls Scouts, and instilling an overwhelming joy of learning in her own children, Dee created a lush, expansive garden that will endlessly grow. We will always love you.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 2, at 1:30 PM at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Assured Hospice of Olympia, WA.
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