Virginia Ruth Smith

Virginia Ruth Smith was born June 18, 1930 in Moorhead, Minnesota. One of two daughters of Arthur and Marjorie Grosz, Virginia adored music and dancing in her early years. In her early twenties, she married Dr. Patrick Mullally. Though their marriage did not last long, together they had the most beautiful daughter, “Cate”, who quickly became Virginia’s best friend.  A few years later, Virginia married Maj. Charles James Smith, a soldier. They were blessed with five more children:  Stewart (Yudi), A.J. (Peggy), Doug, “Billy Bob” (Lena), and Caroline (Brent).  Later came twelve grandchildren (Channing, Josh, Brea, Brandon, Alexandra, Ethan, Olivia, P.J., Alek, Betsy, Megan and Nikki) and 10 great-grandchildren. Of course, there were also several “granddoggies” and “grandkitties” through the years that she loved and considered as family, as well!
 
The family moved about the country quite often as her heroic husband served on two combats fronts. This included two tours in Korea and three tours in Viet Nam. Her ability to manage her household during these turbulent times is a testament to Virginia’s strength. Virginia’s husband “Chuck” died while on active duty in the Viet Nam War in 1969, and she chose to raise her children alone.  For the next 17 years, her children became her sole focus.  The family found Boise in 1978 and there Virginia found her forever home. For her entire adult life, Virginia was a devout Catholic. She attended mass daily for nearly forty years and was most recently a member of the St. John‘s Catholic community.  When the last of her children left her nest in 1987, she joined a secular order of Carmelite nuns and devoted her days to scripture, solitude and prayer. She adored the works of Mother Theresa, the teachings of Pope John Paul II, and the presence of St. Therese of Lisieux. She promised God she would lead a similar simplistic life. 
 
For her last fourteen years, with her children spread ‘round the World, Virginia was loved and comforted by the staff at Shaw Mountain. Unfortunately, in her final days, Virginia fell victim to the COVID-19 virus.
 
Virginia’s family would like to thank the frontline workers at Shaw Mountain of Cascadia, especially those nurses and aides who cared for our mother in her final days. You are true heroes, and we are thankful for the sacrifices you make every day to care for your residents and patients. We hope you, too, find peace and reassurance amidst the uncertainties of this horrible virus.
 
We would also like to thank Father Ben Uhlenkott of St. Mark’s Catholic Church and Father E.J. from St. John’s. Your commitment to ensuring our mother found peace in her final moments brought us peace, as well. Thank you.
 
Finally, we would like to thank Stephanie Dinino, Virginia’s closest friend, confidant, and Carmelite sister.  You were always there for her, and for that, we are eternally grateful. She loved you! And we do, too!
 
Prior to her death, Virginia requested that she not receive flowers at her funeral. Instead, the family asks those who wish to make a donation to Saint Mark’s Catholic School in Boise.