Marjorie Smith passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Yelm, Washington, at the age of 88. She was born to Louis Barons and Nelsie Barons Foss on Oct. 1, 1935, in Ohaton, Alberta, Canada. Marjorie, being the second oldest, spent her early years with her three brothers and three sisters in Surrey, British Columbia. She went on to serve her country for five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, living in France for three of those years.
In 1960, Marjorie and family moved to Auburn, Washington, and in 1968 adopted her daughter, Kimberly, at nine days old. Her life was a testament to resilience, love and unwavering devotion to her family and her faith as she later became a single parent working as a bookkeeper. Thankful for the loving support of her extensive family in Canada, she made it back to visit them as often as possible.
In 1978, she met her husband of 45 years, Robert L. Smith, and moved to Federal Way, Washington. Then, in 1983, they moved to Yelm where the family settled on the Nisqually River. Here, Marjorie and Bob tended to her beloved sheep, “Larry the llama” and a flower garden. She also assisted with the “honey side” of their beekeeping operation. She was allergic to bees, so she left that side of things to Bob.
Marjorie gained the nickname “the honey lady” at the annual Lake Lawrence Christmas Bazaar where she enjoyed selling jars of honey and her knitwear from her homespun wool. Her wool slippers were a favorite gift to many big and small. Marjorie never learned how to drive, and she was so grateful to her friends and family who would help transport her to Christian Women’s and Garden Club, small group Bible study or her special “spinning” and “knit night” groups. Her knitting bag was always next to her no matter where she went or what the occasion.
She was a nurturing and beloved mother to her children and “Nana” to her grandchildren. Nothing made her family happier than to make her laugh. Her presence always brought comfort and joy for you always knew her outlook on life would provide a positive and unconditional acceptance, love or forgiveness for any situation brought before her. Her true-life example and legacy of kindness will continue to inspire generations to come as she was the genuine form of living through Christ.
Marjorie was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Bernard Barons and Leroy Foss; and two sons, Terry and Brian Anderson. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Smith; daughter, Kimberly Gosney (Tony Edwards); granddaughters, Denise (Baron) Lafrenier, Morgan, Riley and Fallon Gosney; stepsons, Robert G. Smith and Steven (Jennifer) Smith; stepdaughter, fiLora (Dan) Kniffin; sisters, Louise Pheota, Evelynn Either and Annabelle Sievert; brother, Eugene (Annette) Barons; sister, Annabelle Sievert; and many nieces and nephews.
Guided by her faith, Marjorie was a devoted member of the Crossroads Community Covenant Church, where her spirit of compassion and sincerity touched the lives of many. Her steadfast faith was a source of strength and comfort, illuminating the path for all who knew her.
The celebration of Marjorie’s life will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Crossroads Community Covenant Church, 11520 Bald Hill Road SE, Yelm, Washington, 98597.
