Wilma Augusta Smith

Wilma Augusta (Leach) Smith passed away on October 11, 2018 at the age of 99 at the Life Care Center of Sandpoint.

Wilma was born September 14, 1919 in Grantsburg Illinois to William Augustus and Myrla Jane Leach and soon moved with her family to Ackerman Mississippi.  In 1934 she moved with her family to Marion Illinois where she graduated from high school.  Wilma attended Chillicothe Business College, Chillicothe Missouri in 1937 where she met Melvin Smith, a teacher at the college. They were married December 26, 1938 and eventually settled in Kansas City Missouri. In 1948 Wilma moved with her family to Scottsbluff Nebraska where she lived for 56 years until moving to Sandpoint Idaho in 2004 to be near her family.  While in Scottsbluff Wilma worked as a retail clerk in Porter's Women's Clothing store where she acquired her personal sense of style, always interested in the latest fashions.   She also held several positions as a secretary and bookkeeper in the oil drilling business, eventually becoming an office manager. 

Wilma developed the love for golf and enjoyed playing until she was 90 years old.  She loved many outdoor activities including fishing for trout, however, her real passion was the game of Bridge.  She especially enjoyed competitive Bridge and belonged to many groups where she made numerous friends.  She was an avid reader and solver of crossword puzzles.  Wilma was a lifelong member of the United Methodist church.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, Augustus and Myrla Leach, husband, M.A. Smith, two sisters Myrla (Leach) Sanders and Arline (Leach) Gerber and one brother Bernard Leach.  She is survived by two sons, James Smith of Tucson Arizona and David Smith (Julie)of Sandpoint, four grandchildren; Tim Smith (Kim)of Rogue River Oregon, Tamie Smith of Fresno California, Nolan Smith of Sandpoint Idaho and Kailie Smith Nolan (Andrew) of Shelby Montana and five great grandchildren.

Wilma will be interred next to her husband at the Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  A memorial Service will be planned at a later date.  Memorials instead of flowers can be directed to the East Bonner County Library Bookmobile Fund in her name.