SMITH, Ernest

Formerly Baker City, 1918-2012 Ernest Smith, 94, a former Baker City resident, died Sept. 30, 2012, in La Grande. His funeral will be Saturday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane in Baker City. Bishop Richard Hindman of the LDS Church will officiate. Vault interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Ernie, as he was known by all who knew him, had been a resident of Wildflower Lodge Assisted Living Center for three months after a fall occurred from which he did not recover. He had lived independently until that time, being watched over by his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Deby Smith. Ernest Emil Smith was born on Feb. 13, 1918, at Emmett, Idaho. He was the seventh of nine children born to Martin and Nancy (Webb) Smith of Emmett. Living in a rough-and-tumble home where his father, Martin, managed a boxing gym in their home basement, Ernie considered a career as a boxer but his mother refused to sign papers in which he would have become professional, as he was under age. He later said this really saved him from that world. After graduating from high school, and finding employment difficult to find, he followed his older brothers to Medical Springs where he found employment on a cattle ranch. His employer proved to be his future father-in-law, Robert Wanker. He married Hazel Ann Wanker in Emmett in 1940. World War II was just beginning and because of a health issue and a farm deferment, he worked on the farm and got a second job working in the Pondosa Mill making ammunition boxes at night. In 1944 he managed one of his father-in-law’s ranches and eventually bought the 6,000-acre parcel. The ranch became a destination for friends and family and many great times were had there. Their first son, Gary, was born in 1942 followed by Dallas three years later and Larry three years after that. Ernie was a very successful rancher, cowboy and farmer who loved his family and his job. Some said he looked like he was part of his horse by the way he rode and carried himself. He was always in good health and good spirits. He was trustworthy and expected the same from his fellow man, although it didn’t always happen. Hazel was in poor health much of her life and he stood by her side and cared for her through tough times. Even in their older age they would sit together holding hands. In 1972 the boys had moved on to other vocations rather than ranching and Ernie sold the ranch and bought a two-unit apartment in Baker City, where they lived and rented out the other apartment. He later purchased 20 acres just north of Baker that had an existing home, which he rebuilt into their dream home. This was the home that most of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew best and have the fondest of memories. They lived there peacefully until Hazel had to be moved to a private care home. The large family home became too much for him to handle and with the death of Hazel, he sold it and moved to La Grande, closer to Larry and Deby Smith where they could care for him. His health deteriorated to the point he had to be cared for in an assisted living center. Survivors include his sons and their wives, Gary and Judy, and Dallas and Peggy, all living in Utah, and Larry and Deby, living in La Grande. Ernie and Hazel have 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with two more great-grandchildren who are due very soon. Ernie was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He had a giving personality and ready smile that will be missed by all who knew him. Contributions in Ernie’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. Baker City Herald 3 Oct 2012