Garnette Smith

Garnette Ruth Smith, 102, passed away peacefully at her home in Safford, Arizona on April 21, 2013. Her loving daughter, Janis and husband Dennis Lyon were at her side as was her faithful caretaker Julie Carpenter, a next door neighbor who has loyally cared for Garnette for over 9 years. Garnette Smith was born in Gilman, Iowa on March 8, 1911. She married George W. Smith and a lovely daughter, Janis, was born to that marriage. They moved to Safford in 1939, when Janis was a baby. Garnette worked as a beautician for many years. After the death of her husband in 1958, she worked as a deputy county clerk for the Graham County Superior Court until retirement in 1978. She loved her family dearly and was a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Janis (Dennis) Lyon of Paradise Valley; 4 grand-children, Clayton (Amie)Lyon, Denis (Steve) Henry, Jim (Robin) Lyon, Janis (Jim) Voorhees; 9 great-grandchildren, Shea Lyon, Joseph Lyon, Ella Henry, Laney Henry, Paige Henry, Benjamin Lyon, Jonathan Lyon, Alex Stocklin and Quinn Voorhees. Some of the highlights in her life was a trip to Egypt with her family to celebrate a birthday. She loved the beach at La Jolla, California and spent may pleasant summers there with her family. She was active in the Emblem Club and an avid bowler with the Safford Bowling League. Garnette was preceded in death by her mother, Iva Cleo Ardella and her husband, George William Smith. You often told me I should seek my goals with passion, but enjoy the rewards in moderation. A graveside service will be held for Garnette on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Safford Cemetery.