Sharon Rae Smith

On Thursday August 31st our sweet Sharon fell asleep and is awaiting Christ’s return. She loved God and was a faithful Christian believer throughout her 72 years. We look forward to seeing her again when we all get to heaven.

Sharon Rae Kimmes was born on April 14th, 1945 to Raymond and May Kimmes in Bemidji Minnesota. She was a much beloved daughter, the second of six kids. Her childhood was filled with the fun and joy of her sisters: Pat and Sandy, and three brothers: Ernie, Larry and Randy. Her family moved to Notus Idaho in 1950, and later to NuAcers near Fruitland.

Sharon met her dreamboat Robert Arthur Smith at age 15. They dated, fell in love, and when Sharon was 16 they married in September of 1961. Their lives together began in New Plymouth Idaho, where they lived for most of their years. They were blessed with three daughters: Lorrie, Karla and Paula, who then brought them the further joy of eight grandchildren: Blayne, Elliot, Blake, Mary, Mason, Leah, Hunter and Alex, and two great grandchildren: Liam and Quinn. Sharon was a loving wife, a fantastic mom and grandmother and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her was blessed. She loved with her whole heart, and soul.

Sharon’s talents were many: sewing, cake decorating, flower arranging and so much more. She was a generous giver and faithful helper. She always showed up when we needed her, and she made everything beautiful. She was the hostess and coordinator for most family events, and nobody got past her without a great big wonderful hug! Not even strangers in airports:. Sharon LOVED to bless people with good food and especially liked baking delicious desserts. Many homes were graced by her handmade cookie and candy trays that she and Bob delivered in person during the holidays.

Her working career was impressive. In supporting Bob, she became a carpenter, tractor driver, house painter, accountant, department store owner, real estate office manager, landlord, and farmer. In her spare time she volunteered at the girls schools where she was called “Mom” in the hallways by all the children who loved her, and later Grandma Sharon by their kids. She worked tirelessly doing whatever was needed: hauling five gallon buckets of sturgeon in the dark because the pond dam broke, or staying up all night to finish a wedding cake she was making for love, not money. It’s how she lived. In her later years she opened a shop making specialty gift baskets, and spent weekends beating everyone at cribbage in her Ramblers camping group.

Sharon was an instigator for family fun. She organized hay rides with chili and hot chocolate, planned sledding parties, got the inner tubes for river floats and cooked pancakes on camping trips to Silver Creek hot springs. She held us all together in times of celebration and sorrow. She loved to sing along with Patsy Cline, and was a great dancer with Bob, which says a lot to those who tried to follow his lead. They enjoyed hosting card games, going to parties at the Elks lodge, traveling together on cruises to the Caribbean, and visiting exotic places like Winnemucca. She was the first one to laugh, start a water gun fight, and give you a kiss. We will all miss her, every single day.

Friends and family are invited to join us at the ranch in New Plymouth on Saturday September 30th, at 5pm for a celebration of Sharon’s life.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Payette.

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