Born on Sept. 3, 1929 in Chiloquin, Ore., to Margaret M. and Elmer C. Wirz, she often spent her childhood summers in tent cities filled with loggers, where her father worked as a camp cook. She came to Alaska with her family in 1945, working first as a theatre usher in Juneau, and later at a bakery and cafe in Seward where she met her lifelong husband, Charles A. Smith. They were married in 1950 and he built their first home in Spenard, while working as a power lineman.

In 1961 they moved to Homer, where he eventually became a commercial fisherman and she devoted her life to caring for her home and family.

"Her tired fishermen were met on the docks in the cold wee hours with many a hot meal and a welcoming smile. Each year her gardens were lush and abundant, her home was a profusion of colorful flowers that never failed to bring tourists with their cameras, and her shelves groaned with home-canned vegetables and delicious jams and jellies. Warm sweaters and hats appeared magically in her hands when she picked up her knitting needles, and beautiful, cozy afghans would be found under the Christmas tree each year," the family says.

She was a long time active member of the Pioneers of Alaska, and took great pleasure in coordinating the spring benefit salad luncheons which were held for many years. Her life was given in the caring of others, and she will be deeply missed. A 47-year-resident of Homer, she will be long remembered as a beloved daughter, a loving wife, a wonderful mother, an honored grandmother and a friend to many.

Beverly is survived by her brother, Kenneth Wirz; her husband Charles Smith, their son Michael; her grandsons Noah and Aaron Smith and Matthew Carroll; and her granddaughter Katie Bauer.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make memorial donations to Father Flanagan's Boys Home, an organization that was ever dear to her heart. Website: www.boystown.org

Arrangements were by the Homer Funeral Home.