Lois A. Smith passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Oct. 27, 2023 at her home in Hermiston at the age of 93.
She was born on Sept. 27, 1930 in Steel City, Kan., the youngest of eight children born to Albert and Amy Walburn Pelser.
Her family moved to Oregon, settling in Milton-Freewater. Lois graduated from McLoughlin High School. She married Ralph Moon in 1947. They moved to Klamath Falls, where they raised their three children until moving to Hermiston in 1957. Lois worked for Inland Empire Bank for many years. They moved to Pendleton in 1971 and Ralph preceded her in death in 1978. Lois married Tom Smith in 1984. She worked as a bookkeeper for Stewart’s Market and Stangier Auto until she retired in 1992. Tom preceded her in death in 2006. Lois returned to Hermiston in 2020 to be near family.
She was a member of the Pendleton Emblem Club, Pendleton Eagles and Side Saddlers and an active member of the Eagles Camper Club.
Lois was an avid hunter, with her proudest accomplishment being bagging a six-point bull elk on her 80th birthday. She also loved fishing and camping, pulling her trailer on Eagles camping trips well into her 80s. Lois was well known for her woodworking skills, building dozens of unique birdhouses and large yard ornaments.
Lois was a fiercely independent and determined lady. She was always very involved with several projects going at any one time. Lois loved socializing, entertaining, dancing, a good party, and above all cherished time with her family. She was always proud of being part of a five-generation family when her family was all together.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Edwards (Gary), Hermiston; son, David Moon (Tina), Helena, Mont.; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her husbands; daughter, Marlene; granddaughter, Amy; her parents; brother, Keith; and sisters, Claire, Mildred, Marian, Jean and Doris.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow around 12:30 p.m. at Skyview Memorial Park in Pendleton.
Contributions in Lois’ memory may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice.
Please share memories of Lois with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
