Myrtle Smith

November 1, 1934 - April 26, 2017

M. \\\Gay\\\" Smith passed away on April 26,2017 in Raymond. She was 82. Gay was born to Orrie and Dorothy McCoy in Dryad, Washington, on November 1, 1934. She graduated from Pe Ell high school at age sixteen, and went on to attend Marylhurst College in Portland, Oregon. Soon after entering she married R. “Dean†Smith in 1952. They were married for seventeen years and had four children together. Gay worked at the Weyerhaeuser mill in Raymond until her retirement after 35 years. Later in her life, while working full time at the mill, Gay commuted back and forth to Evergreen State College in Olympia obtaining her four-year degree. This was an accomplishment that made all who knew her very proud. In 1971, Gay met the love of her life, Gary Ross, who survives her at the family home. Gay and Gary loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, digging clams, mushroom picking and nearly any other adventure that related to nature. They also traveled together over the years to Mexico, Hawaii, New Orleans, and to many other areas of the United States. Gay was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Kenneth McCoy. Survivors include her sister Ellen and her four children: Lori Smith, Douglas Smith, Philip Smith and Lisa Smith. Additional survivors include grandchildren Angie, Alicia, Tyler, Wyatt, Brynn and Jennifer, and ten great grandchildren. Gay will always be remembered as a wonderful, giving mother who always put family first, and for her kindness and her beautiful smile. At her request, there will be no service.