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Rosella Smith Obituary
A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at the VFW Post in Eagle River.
She was born March 4, 1929, in South Gate, Calif., to Roy and Evelyn Gibbo.
Kelly married Delbert Smith in 1948. As a military wife, Kelly, with Delbert, raised three children while traveling extensively. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home, fishing and camping together for many years. Kelly also enjoyed oil painting, mushroom hunting, cooking and entertaining, gardening and millinery.
Her favorite celebration was New Year's, which included holding an open house, serving black-eyed peas and hush puppies and many gourmet items. Attending Anchorage Opera functions with her friends was a true joy to Kelly.
During the 1970s, Kelly was employed as secretary for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce. In 1976, she opened the first travel agency in Eagle River. She was involved in many organizations and was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, VFW Post 9785 Auxiliary Ladies Military Code of the Cooties and The Good Sam Club. She was also a member of the American Legion Post 33 Ladies Auxiliary, Elks Club of Eagle River, Officers' Spouses Club at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Chugiak Senior Center. She spent many years as the VFW Post 9785 Auxiliary's volunteer chairman and was involved with the American Cancer Society's "Daffodil Days." Additionally, for 15 years, Kelly was the VFW Post 9785 Auxiliary chairman for the Walk for Hope's checkpoint two.
In her later years, Kelly enjoyed traveling worldwide and sharing time with her longtime friends. She touched many lives and leaves us all with a variety of wonderful memories. She was an intelligent, classy lady with a kind soul. She will be greatly missed.
Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Smith; son, Curt Smith; and daughter, Candice Frank.
She is survived by her son, Craig S. Smith and his lifetime companion, Pamela Wrightson, both of Chugiak; son-in-law, Charles "Chip" Frank of Seattle;and many relatives in California.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rosella Smith
Marj Johns
January 24, 2010
Craig, I want to extend my sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your Mother and my dear friend. I have many fond memories of the many Rondy's we enjoyed together and the sled dog races. We will all miss "Kelly"
Jimmie Pierce
January 23, 2010
Craig. I loved you Mom so much she was like a sister. You will always have the love of her friends. When you are missing her just think of her lovely smile and give your self a hug think of all the hugs she gave you. She will always be in your heart.
Jack Leggett
January 21, 2010
Craig I wanted you to know I was thinking of you. Lots of memories of you and your family. Sincerely, Jack Leggett
Joe & Julanda Simms
January 20, 2010
Dear Craig, Please accept our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. It is our hope that your memories and the gift of having her will ease the pain of your loss. yes, your mom was a classy lady, we will truly miss her and her smile.
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Laura Jansen
January 19, 2010
The first black-eyed pea that I ever ate was at Del & Kelly's house. I think of her every New Year's Day when I make them. She was a great lady and true friend. She sure taught me alot about Costco shopping! I think she was the most loved person at the Eagle River VFW. I know my daughter Amanda & I sure loved her and Del both. She will live on through our hearts and minds.
Kate (Lewis) Jansen
Peggy Warden
January 17, 2010
Dear Craig, Please accept my deepest sympathies at this most difficult time. Your mom was such a beautiful woman, inside & out. It is my hope that your memories and the gift of having her will ease the pain of your loss. God Bless you and all who loved Kelly. I for one, am a better person for knowing her.
Joan Klotz
January 17, 2010
Craig, please accept Bob's and my deepest sympathy. The world has lost a truly beautuful person. But we know she's in heaven passing out hugs to everyone! She never met a stranger. She was one special lady and a true Beta Sigma Phi Sister. We will miss her so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Kristie Belk
January 17, 2010
I am so, so sorry to read of Kelly's passing. Craig, you know how well-loved your Mom was and I count myself among the many who did and were blessed to have known her. She was indeed a classy lady; she had such a great laugh and zest for life and it was contagious when you were in her company. My deepest sympathy; may you be comforted by your own special memories and by the caring thoughts of others who's lives Kelly Smith touched with such positive impact.
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