Carol Faye Smith

Carol was born on August 2, 1934, in Elma, Washington to George and Mary Robinson. She was raised on a dairy farm with her older sister, Ruth (Robinson) Travers.

Carol participated in 4H. She raised her Jersey cow, Pixie and showed her at the fair. She attended church at Malone Assembly of God. Piano lessons and recitals were also her passion. She graduated high school valedictorian at age 16.

After high school, she earned a BA in Home Economics at Seattle Pacific College. Then, she earned her teaching certificate at Western Washington University, moved to Chehalis, WA, and taught 2nd grade.

Carol met her future husband, Darrell Smith on a blind date at the Shanghai Cafe, a Chinese restaurant in Centralia (still in business today). Darrell was on leave from the Air Force and soon returned to Biloxi, Mississippi. They continued courtship through letters, and, on his next leave, she accepted his marriage proposal. They were wed on June 14, 1957. Theirs was a splendid marriage spanning some 66 years!

After wedding, they set off to Illinois where Darrell had a two-month Air Force assignment. Then they relocated to Roswell, New Mexico where Darrell was stationed at Walker Air Force Base. Carol continued her teaching career in the elementary school in Roswell. They lived there for one year in a small trailer with no air conditioning!

Darrell was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and they moved to Seattle where he accepted a position at The Boeing Company. They began attending a little church called Renton Assembly of God which met in an old Salvation Army building. Their daughter, Diane, was born followed by Marcia a couple of years later.

They moved into a new-build house in a neighborhood called, Carriage Lane in Renton, WA. They had two more daughters, Nanette and Karen. Carol raised her four daughters in this home. She taught piano lessons and was an avid gardener. She volunteered at Lake Youngs Elementary School in the Reading Lab and was active in their growing church. She taught Sunday School, participated in Women’s Ministries, held a leadership role in Missionettes, substitute taught at Renton Christian School, and more.

After retiring from Boeing, Carol and Darrell enjoyed traveling to destinations around the US and abroad. They particularly enjoyed Alaskan cruises with their dear friends, Ellie and Ellis Campfield.

Carol and Darrell moved to Water Gardens, a retirement community in Maple Valley. They enjoyed outings with friends, time spent with family, visiting with neighbors, and hosting home group meetings for New Life Church, formerly known as Renton Assembly of God.

Carol loved music, animals, literature, and beautiful scenery. She was a loving wife, caring mother, and a devoted friend. Most of all, she loved and lived for Jesus.

Carol was predeceased by her daughter, Diane Krogh (David) of Renton, WA.

She is survived by her husband, Darrell Smith of Maple Valley, WA; daughters Marcia Hooker (Brian) of Redding, CA, Nanette Smith of Pasco, WA, Karen Trelka (Jeff) of Little Elm, TX, like-a-daughter Debbie Fraley of Shoreline, WA; five grandchildren Kristen Krogh of Tacoma, WA, Derek Krogh (Britney) of Renton, WA, Steven Hooker of Redding, CA, Helena Trelka of Little Elm, TX, Lillian Trelka of Little Elm, TX; two great-grandchildren Kylie Krogh of Renton, WA, Kingston Krogh of Renton, WA.

Her Celebration of Life service will take place on April 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at New Life Church, 15711 152nd Ave SE, Renton, WA.