Obituary of Elva Mae Smith

Elva Mae Smith, 92, went home to our Heavenly Father on September 4, 2023, at her home in Pleasant Hill, Oregon. Mae was born in 1931 to Doyle and Leona Harper in Roseburg, Oregon. She was married to Howard Burks (deceased) in 1948. Two daughters from that union survive her; Brenda Allwander (husband Bob), and Betty Taylor (husband Jim). Grandchildren include Mike Allwander (wife Cyndi), Shannon Allwander; and Nick Marshall (wife Ashley). Great grandchildren are Alyssa Tarusan (husband Carlos); Breanna Dubray, and Richard Dubray; Carter and Carson Marshall. Great great grandchild is Brayden Tarusan. Mae married Max Jack Smith (deceased) in 1969. She is survived by son Brian Smith (wife Joellen). Grandchildren are Zachary Smith and Lindsey Smith. Mae’s heart and home also welcomed step-daughters Kristi Abrams (husband Mike, deceased), and Patti Gehlhaar (husband Jim). Grandchildren are Kayla Abrams, and Adam Abrams (wife Kristen); Brandon (wife Ali) Gehlhaar, and Justin (wife Kimmy) Gehlhaar. Great grandchildren are Parker and Cooper Abrams; Wyatt, Weston, Eden Gehlhaar; Paisley and Piper Gehlhaar. In her last years, Mae took to raising Breanna, her great granddaughter. She was like a daughter, a friend, and in the last few years, a caregiver to Mae. In addition to a lifetime of homemaking for three generations of family, Mae had a career in the beauty industry, and was co-owner of MJ Smith Logging. As a young woman Mae taught Baptist Sunday School to four year olds, and being an active and loving room mother for grade school children. She enjoyed family camping, hiking and fishing. Mae was an accomplished seamstress, and artistic. She had a flair for finding unique décor items and creating lovely homescapes, inside and out. Christmas was always a splendid display of her talent. Fond memories of Mae will always linger for her incredible love for animals. She always went above and beyond ensuring the best life ever for her furry friends. Her generosity to spoil others was a treasured gift to all she knew and loved. She took an abundance of pride in her flowers and beautiful garden. Mae loved the serenity found being surrounded with beauty of nature. Be at peace, our beloved Mama Mae.