Barbara Fern Mann Smith , August 27, 1933 — June 06, 2018

Barbara Fern Mann was born August 27, 1933 in Louisburg KS to Beulah and Harley Mann. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence MO in 1951 and graduated from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar MO in 1953, majoring in education. She later chose to become a stay at home mom.

She married William (Bill) Smith in Independence Mo in 1953 and they began raising their family in farm country before moving to Portland OR in 1959. They found their permanent residence in 1966 in Oregon City, the perfect spot to raise their two daughters and three sons. Bill and Barbara sang duets – something they started early in their marriage – at many of the churches they attended.

She also played the piano at home from time to time. Barbara and her sister Diana assisted their parents who owned and managed The Christian Book Shop in Oregon City. In the 80s they took over and later sold the store and eventually Barbara and Bill began to travel, enjoying cross country trips in their RV.

She loved her family and enjoyed hosting family get-togethers for many occasions. In her later years, she set up a craft room at her home and dedicated much of her time to making custom cards for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions – with her signature “Barbara the Card Smith” on the back. Her exceptionally beautiful handwriting gave her cards an even more attractive appearance.

Barbara also enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, knitting, various craft creations, and even more recently, she brought creative, colorful ideas to a lifeless page with coloring books for adults. A very private person, she had a quiet dignity and grace that will be missed. She is survived by her husband Bill Smith, children Linetta Henderson (Mike), Roger Smith (Suez), Jeff Smith (Liz), Alana Wells (Dan), 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Smith. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday June 16, 2018 at 11:00AM at the Tri-City Baptist Temple in Gladstone, Oregon.

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