Dorothea Dell Smith

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Although we knew her sun was setting, we were still startled and heartbroken as our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, and sister Dorothea Dell Smith dimmed her light and set sail on the outgoing tide July 14, 2022. She was 81 years old.

She was born on November 2, 1940 to Harold Franklin and Juanita Adeline (Dixon) Lobdell in Skykomish, Washington. The Lobdell family of Gold Bar, Washington had already welcomed Duane, Dorine, Diane, Donald, Delbert and David and later completed their family when her baby brother Daryl arrived. Dorothea attended grade school in Gold Bar and then graduated from Sultan High School in 1958.

Dorothea married Joseph Edwin Smith on April 5, 1958 and they spent many years living in Everett, Washington. They later moved to Rigby, Idaho where they enjoyed their country home, and treasured family time at the Smith family cabin in Island Park.

During her lifetime, her time, talents and energy were spent in absolute devotion to her husband and family. Joseph and Dorothea welcomed 3 baby girls to the family; Tamara Dee, Tawni Jo and Tara Mae. The family was complete when a son finally arrived, Tyler Joseph. And as if anyone didn’t know he was her favorite. And his daddy’s favorite. And his sisters favorite, too.

Some of Dorothea’s accomplishments include being a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a ham radio operator - call sign KF7WGU, a choir director, pianist, clothing model and a beautician for several Everett mortuaries. She also loved to read, as her vast library makes evident.

Her family acknowledges with the deepest of heartfelt gratitude the nurses of Alliance Hospice who relieved the suffering Dorothea endured for many years as her body was ravaged by Rheumatoid Arthritis. They tenderly cared for her with dignity and respect as her wings began to emerge and taught her and her family how to let go. She gracefully and peacefully took flight from her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Dorothea leaves behind; her beloved husband of 64 years, Joseph Smith of Rigby, Idaho, three daughters; Tamara (Mike) Dayton of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Tawni Taylor of Middleton, Idaho and Tara Smith of Brookings, South Dakota and a son, Tyler (Anica) Smith of Layon, Utah, as well as 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Also, her brothers Dave Lobdell of San Jose, California, Daryl Lobdell of Kennewick, Washington and sister Diane Albee of Lind, Washington. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Cara Cherie Tomita.

Funeral services will be held at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby, Idaho on Wednesday, July 20 ^th , 2022. Family will meet with guests at 10:30 a.m. with funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.

If so inclined, a donation in her name may be made to The Giving Cupboard of Rigby, Idaho. Monthly visits to this generous food bank were greatly appreciated by Dorothea as it grew difficult for her to walk and shop for groceries.