Patricia Marie (Ransom) Smith, 61, died May 23, 2011, at home in Newport, Wash., after a brief battle with cancer, and surrounded by her entire family.

Pat was born Sept. 23, 1949, at Coeur d'Alene, to James and Mary Kay (Smith) Ransom. She graduated from IHM Academy in 1967, attended Fort Wright College in Spokane, and graduated from the University of Portland (Oregon) in 1971.

She married Jerry Wayne Smith in 1974, and lived in Wolf Lodge, Cataldo and Page, ID, before moving to Newport in 1982. She served on the board of CREATE Center for the Arts and Humanities, volunteered at Open Mic, and was a 4-H Club Leader. She worked five years at Life Designs Ranch, and previously worked for Rural Resources and HeadStart, all in Pend Oreille County.

Pat's "bucket list" during her last week included a pre-season boat tour of Priest Lake with family and siblings, and a Living Wake, where she greeted over two hundred friends and neighbors at her rural home near Newport. She was widely appreciated for her nurturing and friendly spirit, and her delightful interaction with children of all ages.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jerry; five children, Max Smith, Laura Reynolds, Luke Smith, and Rose Smith, all of Newport, and daughter Julie Smith of Vancouver Wash.; 12 grandchildren, including Thomas and Vivian Reynolds of Priest River; Alex, Patience, Shemuwel and Abigail Smith of Newport, Anastasia Love of Usk, Wash., Nevaeh Frederick and Jylann and Richard Green of Newport, and Kayla Smith; five siblings: Mike Ransom, of Albany, Ore.; Sue (Jerry) Burrey of Springboro, Ohio; Mary "Liz" (Mike) Moudy of Newport; Barbara Bolich, Spokane, and Dave (Patty) Ransom, Richland, Wash.

She was preceded in death by both parents, and by a granddaughter, Grace Smith.

The family held a private ceremony and burial near Newport. Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, including an online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.