Sylvia Jean Read Smith, age 86, passed away on Aug. 21, 2024 in Hermiston.
She was born to Helen and Wayne Read on March 10, 1938 in Moscow, Idaho.
Sylvia’s earliest years were marked by two things: the family moving several times following her father’s career as a forester and, at the age of 5, the tragic loss of her 3-year-old brother Sonny to diphtheria. This loss led Sylvia to become a protective big sister to siblings Cindy and Vern. Eventually the Read family settled in Scottsburg, where Sylvia graduated from high school.
Sylvia went on to Oregon State University where she majored in home economics, graduating in 1960. She immediately secured a job in Westfir, where she met Bobby Neal Smith, a high school English teacher originally from Mercedes, Texas. Following a whirlwind romance, the two were married on Dec. 23, 1960. Their first child, Kathryn, was born in October 1961. The family moved to Hermiston in 1963, where Bob was hired as a high school English teacher. Son David was born in January 1965. Sylvia eventually pursued her teaching career, starting part time in Stanfield in 1965. While there she taught home economics, math and art, and eventually earned a master’s degree in counseling. In 1979 she moved to Hermiston High School’s counseling department, where she served until her retirement in 1996.
Sylvia lived her life large, as her faith in Jesus led her. She was active in Oasis Church, serving in various leadership capacities, hosting home Bible studies, leading the God’s Garden project, always willing to serve in whatever was needed. She was also involved in her community, serving as an OSU Master Gardener and a member of the Desert Arts Council.
But her greatest love was watching her children, then her grandchildren, and finally her great-grandchildren compete in sports and other activities – dancing, volleyball, football, basketball, track, tennis, fair events – you name it and
Sylvia was there, often keeping her own tally because, “You never know about those score keepers.”
In her final years, Sylvia encountered many health challenges and yet she still maintained her positivity, kindness, and goodwill toward others. The friends who continued to visit her long after she forgot their names and the care staff at Guardian Angel who adored her are a testament to her love for others.
She is survived by son David Smith, his wife Dorothy; Kathryn “Kathy” (Smith) Ferge, her husband Lloyd; grandson Taylor Smith, his wife Brittany, son Kingston; Rebecca (Ferge) McKinnis, her husband Forrest, daughter Payden, stepson Bryson, stepdaughter Sydney; grandson Levi Smith, his wife Morgan, sons Parker and Landon; granddaughter Elizabeth Ferge, boyfriend Aaron Madison, daughter Codie Brunner, son Henry Brunner; grandson Rylie Smith, girlfriend Annaleise Meyers; and honorary granddaughter Ada Castillo; brother Vernon Read, wife Jamie, daughter Karen Read, son Micah Read; niece Brenda Ventura, son Vincent, daughter Kahlia Nydam; nieces Kari Wagy and Kristi (Wagy) MacKenzie, husband Edward MacKenzie, son Connor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Neal Smith; parents, Wayne B. Read and Helen Jorgensen Read; brother, Wayne “Sonny” Read; and sister, Cynthia Read Loissios.
She is sorely missed by her family, many friends, church members, and former students.
To honor her legacy, a celebration of life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Oasis Vineyard Church, 1255 S. Highway 395, Hermiston.
Please share memories of Sylvia with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
