| Evelyn Luellen Smith |
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January 28, 1922 - February 12, 2012 |
| Evelyn Luellen Smith, 90, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away February 12, 2012 at the Mountain Valley Care & Rehabilitation Center of Kellogg, Idaho with her daughter Cynthia Moore and her niece Peggy Prolo by her side. She was born on January 28, 1922 in Chico, California; Evelyn was the daughter of Nola and Sadie (Justeson) Dixon. Evelyn grew up in Chico, California, graduated high school and then got a BA degree in Education from Chico State College of Chico, California in January of 1943. She later received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Montana in 1964. Evelyn married Fred J. Keppner in 1943 and they moved to Idaho for his position with the Idaho Fish and Game Department. Evelyn taught at several California and Idaho schools before moving to Mullan in 1952, where she taught in the Mullan School system until she retired in 1984. Evelyn married Ralph “Butch” Smith in 1974, after returning from taking a group of Idaho students on the People to People sponsored tour of Europe and some (then) Iron Curtain countries. Evelyn was always very active in the Mullan School system as a class sponsor, sponsor for the National Honor Society, Parent Teachers Association and school Librarian. Evelyn always helped out students, faculty and the school itself whenever and wherever she could. She wrote a history of the Mullan School District that was published and several other publications about Mullan, that are available at the Mullan Museum. Evelyn wrote a monthly history of what happened in Mullan for past years for the Church Mouse. Evelyn was a 65 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, a long time member of the Wallace Lady Elks and Delta Kappa Gamma sorority and Retired Teachers of Shoshone County. She stayed very active after her retirement traveling with Butch and being involved in many Mullan organizations and projects. She was on the library board and volunteered a the Mullan Library, worked on the Finn Project, a history of the Finnish people of Mullan and served as secretary and active member of the Captain John Mullan Historical Museum. Evelyn always made sure that anyone who had been a Mullan resident got a name plate on the Remembrance Plaque at the Museum and a letter to the family indicating that the name had been added. Evelyn is survived by her children Kaye Williams and husband Clyde of Portland, Oregon; Blaine Keppner of Mullan, Idaho; two step-children Cynthia Moore and husband David of Spirit Lake, Idaho; and Keith Smith of Merrieta, California; grandchilden Shawn Summerkamp of Silverton, Idaho; Tammy Jackson of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Kellie of Merrietta, California; four great-grandchildren Jarod Jackson, Josh Jackson, Rachael and Kennedy; two sisters Norma Tolen of Chico, California and Dorothy Hutt of Littleton, Colorado and many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 26 years Ralph “Butch” Smith and one brother Rob Dixon. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the United Church of Christ Congregational of Wallace, Idaho with Rev. Bob Evans officiating. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Wallace Elks following services. Burial will take place after the reception, at the Forest Cemetery of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. The Family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Haller, all the nurses and staff at the Mountain Valley Care Facility of Kellogg, Idaho, her many friends who visited her at the hospital and nursing home. And a special thanks to her caregiver Ellen Barrett of Wallace, Idaho. The Family suggests that memorials may be made to the Captain John Mullan Museum, P.O. Box 675, Mullan Idaho 83846; or to the Mullan Park Fund, P.O. Box 475, Mullan, Idaho 83846; or to the Mullan Library, P.O. Box 479, Mullan, Idaho 83846. SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements. |
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A special lady and great friend...I will miss all our chats and letters. -- Ruthie Bratley A great teacher,(class 1960) a special lady...I will miss her smile, energy and enthusiasmm for life! -- Jeannie Kelsey I heard about the death of Mrs. Smith from a classmate. I found time in my very busy day as a teacher to read the paper's obituary of Evelyn Smith. It seemed a profound and proper way to show respect to a once very busy teacher and I think she would know where I was coming from ! Thanks Mrs. Smith! -- Matt Lenhard Aunt Evelyn: Just a note to let you know how much you will be missed. I will miss our telephone calls and most of all the lovely birthday cards and letters you sent every year without fail. God's speed to you Aunt Evelyn...we love you and you will be missed more than you know. We Love you, and we will miss you very much. -- Tony and Cindy (Keppner) King Evelyn was a special person to me. She knew so much and remembered it! Very well read and even enjoyed the people magazine. I will miss her every Thursday. -- Bonnie Slater My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you! I will always remember Mrs. Smith,(teacher) and mentor for all of the Mullan Students she taught. Our Class of '77 favorite teacher. Rest in Peace Mrs. Smith. You will never be forgotten! -- Rhonda (Hautala) Green |