May 21, 1925 - October 31, 2018
Barbara Jean Smoak Obituary
(Age 93)
Barbara Jean Jessup Smoak stepped into eternity with the arms of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ wrapped tightly around her on October 31, 2018. She was at peace in her own home with her daughters caring for her.
Bobbi was born at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA on May 21, 1925 to Aaron W. and Rose I. Jessup. She spent her childhood in Ione, Republic, Colville, Wenatchee and other small Eastern Washington towns, following her parents? search for employment during the Depression. She attended Chelalis High School for 3 ? years and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1943.
During WWII, Bobbi served in the U.S. Navy Waves as a Flight Orderly on C-47 cargo planes, delivering supplies to Naval bases in the U.S. She marched in the VE Day parade in New York City. She was honorably discharged on June 11, 1946. After discharge, she returned to Walla Walla and worked at the Libby Cannery where she met her future husband, Elmer C. Smoak. He said he could not take his eyes off the long-legged brunette and that it took some perseverance on his part before she would date him. They were married on February 14, 1947. Soon afterwards, Elmer accepted a job with the Northern Pacific Railroad and they began a series of moving adventures. These included living in a converted box car in Livingston, MT, living above a potato chip factory with cockroaches in Minnesota, a home in Lakewood, WA, back to Livingston, MT, Missoula, MT, and retiring in Spokane. All the while raising three daughters ? Terri, Marilynn and Debbie.
She helped support her family as a seamstress, babysitting and working in the school caf? in Missoula. In Spokane, the ?purse lady? sold more than 1,000 handmade purses at craft sales. She was also an active member of the Garland Avenue Alliance Church. Her family knew not to call her during the Zag basketball games if they wanted to talk with her. Bobbi was known as the beloved Granny to granddaughters, Nanci (Gary) and Nikki (Dave) and great-grandchildren, Ava and Ian.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer C. Smoak. She is survived by three daughters, two granddaughters and two great-grandchildren, as well as her brother, Jim (Suzette) and sister, Sharon (Hobie).
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Bobbi?s many dear friends who shared her journey over the years and especially to those who helped her remain in her home until the end, just as she wanted. A very special thanks to Katie and Carly at Kindred Hospice.
A celebration of Bobbi?s life will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 2pm at the Garland Church, 2011 W. Garland Ave., Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Kitchen, 2410 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205.
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