1915 – 2013

BETHEL — Phyllis M. Smith, 98, of Bethel, died at her Vernon Street residence on July 26.

She was born in Turner, on July 24, 1915, the daughter of Olin Taylor and Pearl Hinds Taylor. Her father was a sawyer at a lumber mill, and her mother was the cook for the mill crew. Their daughter, Phyllis, was born in the lumber camp.

Phyllis was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Webster School. She married Jason G. Smith Jr. of South Paris in Mechanic Falls on Sept. 23, 1933; Jason died Feb. 13, 1997, after 63 years of marriage.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling and had traveled to all the continental United States and Canada. She was a past member of the Eleanor Gordon Guild at the Bethel United Methodist Church and had been a Cub Scout den mother, having her sons in her group. She helped her three sons to learn to shoot, hunt and brook fish. She was famous for her homemade biscuits, and she did a lot of chores when they lived on a farm in New Gloucester and Leeds.

She is survived by one daughter, Phyllis Cross of Bethel; two sons, Gerald “Jeri” Smith and his wife, Jane, of Fryeburg, and Larry G. Smith Jr. of Bethel, with whom she lived; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Edward Taylor and his wife, Anita, of Greene; a sister, Joyce King of Greene; a cousin, Pauline Hinds of Auburn; as well as an ex-daughter-in-law, Betty Smith of Bethel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jason; one son, Nelson O. Smith; son-in-law, Norton L. Cross; two brothers, Owen Taylor and Sumner Taylor; three sisters, Arlene Johnson, Doris Langelier and Helen Chicoine; and her parents.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has given her care or aided her. She appreciated anyone who visited or called or sent cards. Phyllis really loved family reunions and the love shown her at birthday celebrations. We thank you for all your prayers and thinking of our family at this time. So many special people gave her loving care. Our mother would say “Thank you to all, and I love you! Until we unite in Heaven.”