Laurie Rachel Smith's Obituary
On the morning of July 5th, 2025, Laurie Rachel Smith peacefully entered the arms of Jesus, surrounded by the love of her family in her home. She was 73 years old.
Born on February 12, 1952, in Pasco, Washington, Laurie grew into a woman defined by compassion, creativity, faith, and unwavering love. Her life was a living testimony to the goodness of God, and she touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know her.
Laurie was a proud graduate of Stadium High School in Tacoma and pursued training at Clover Park Vocational Tech in accounts payable/receivable. She went to work at Allied Paper, where she worked many years until she got pregnant with Zach and decided to be a stay-at-home mom.
For many years, Laurie attended By His Word Christian Center, where her presence was a light of encouragement, truth, and steadfast belief. She didn’t just believe in God—she radiated Him. Through her words, her actions, and her joy, Laurie led countless others into a relationship with Christ. It was her deepest mission and greatest joy.
Laurie had an unmatched creative soul. She delighted in making scripture boxes with her sister-in-law Joy, writing poems that reflected her deep heart, and spending time with her hands busy in arts and crafts. She loved decorating, gardening, family get-togethers, and belting out songs during karaoke nights. Every part of her life was an offering of joy.
She often reminded her loved ones, “These things will pass,” and “Believe in God.” Her words were steadying, especially in hard times, and are carried now in the hearts of those she left behind.
Laurie is survived by her beloved husband, Loren Smith; her children, Renee Garland (Seth), Trina Fisher, and Zachary Smith (Brienna); her grandchildren Aidan, Austin, and Katalynn; and her great-grandson Milo. She also leaves behind her siblings Rich Morvel (Joy), Gary Morvel (Reina), and Cindy McCelland (Randy); her treasured best friend, Shelly Wise (Mike); and so many others who love her and will miss her with their whole hearts.
She is reunited in eternity with her mother Phyllis Lewis, stepfather Frank Lewis, father Larry Morvel, and seven siblings—Rosie, Jim, Dan, Judy, Jewell, Loretta, and Mary—as well as her dear in-laws Al and Gladys Smith.
Laurie’s spirit was loving and endlessly giving—she taught us how to care more deeply, forgive more freely, and love more fully. She was compassionate to a fault, faithful in every way, and never wavered in her devotion to God or to the people she cherished.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 1:00pm at By His Word Christian Center in Tacoma. Coffee and cookies will follow, just as Laurie would have wanted—sweet, simple, and shared with love.
The family extends deep thanks to everyone who reached out during Laurie’s final days. Special gratitude to Shelly, Cindy, Trina, Joy, Zach, and Brie for lovingly helping with service arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laurie’s name to By His Word Christian Center, a place that shaped her walk and where her legacy will continue to grow.
Laurie Rachel Smith leaves behind a world better than she found it, and a family that will carry her light forward. She believed in Jesus with her whole heart—and because of that, so many of us do too.
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