Katharine Frazier Smith
February 20, 1915 – February 1, 2009

Katharine F. Smith, of Gresham, Oregon, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, February 1, 2009.

A service to honor and celebrate Katharine’s life is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at Anderson’s Tribute Center. Pastor Vicky Stifter of Riverside Community Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Idlewilde Cemetery.

Katharine, an only child, was born at home to Joseph and Bernice Frazier Jr. in Hood River, Oregon, February 20, 1915. She was a fourth generation Oregonian, as her Great-Grandfather Foley had come to Oregon by the Applegate Trail in 1852.

By the time she graduated from Hood River High School in 1932, she was an accomplished pianist and organist. As a youngster, she traveled by bus weekly to Portland to further study her craft under Dr. Frederick W. Goodrich. Her love of music enabled her to spend many years as organist for Riverside Community Church in Hood River. For a time she accompanied the Chamber Choir and was also sought after to play music for many weddings as well. In more recent days, with a smile, she stated that for her music was ‘addictive’.

During the 1930’s she lived for nine years in Dyersburg, Tennessee where she met and married Woodrow W. Smith. They were later divorced and he has since passed away.

Katharine was a bookkeeper for Diamond Fruit Growers for many years. Her retirement in 1980 was the year to take the trip of her dreams to Europe. She was an accomplished seamstress, and loved working crossword puzzles. For many years she followed with relish the Portland Trailblazers and on occasion would attend games.

In her early years she was a member of Pythian Sisters, Four-Leaf Clover Club, the Riverside Afternoon Guild and a Blue Bird leader. She also had a passion for researching her family history. Many hours were spent volunteering at the Hood River Museum which she found satisfying.

By the late 1980’s Katharine moved to Portland to be near her children and grandchildren. She continued playing piano for the retirement home choir. Her zest for learning continued through those years as she participated in a writing class.

Surviving children are Linda Bussey and her husband Bill of La Pine, Oregon, Betty Jo and her husband Jim Eason of Happy Valley, Oregon. She is also survived by grandchildren Sam and Brandy Eason, Matt and Gina Eason, and Roy Eason, and one great granddaughter, Alee Eason. She is preceded in death by two sons, David R. and Daniel A. Smith.

The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate loving care our mother and grandmother received from her caregiver, Maria Grimes. Her days were spent happily napping with kitties and having tea with her fresh-baked cookies. We thank Maria for making her final days simply grand.

Family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Katharine’s memory to Helping Hands Against Violence and sent care of Anderson’s.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031.