Arline Smith

BURLESON -- Arline S. "Smitty" Smith peacefully passed on to her next life on Saturday, May 28, 2011. Smitty was born in Blum on July 20, 1921, to Ewell and Ideary Walker Smith. Smitty graduated valedictorian from Walnut Springs High School at the age of 16. After one year of college at the University of North Texas, she entered St. Joseph's School of Nursing where she earned her R.N. designation. Immediately after graduation, Smitty joined the United States Army and served proudly as an Army nurse during World War II. She was stationed in London and often spoke of her experiences there, especially how she and her fellow nurses saved many lives on D-Day. After the war, Smitty met Johnson Henry Smith at private pilot ground school where they both earned their licenses. The story of their whirlwind romance is legendary in the family. They had their first date on Halloween, 1946. He proposed on Christmas Eve 1946. They were married on Groundhog's Day of 1947, and had their only child, Sandy, on April Fool's Day of 1949. During her life Smitty was an RN, an officer's wife, a newspaper reporter, an extraordinary golfer, and a muzzleloader. She loved to go fishing but, most of all, she loved to read. She was ruthless at Trivial Pursuit. She was also a member of VFW Post 9299 in Alvarado and she cherished her many comrades there. The family would like to offer love and gratitude to Kristin, Roy and Lois. They were the special angels whose care allowed Smitty to live independently, at home, until her passing. We would also like to thank Community Hospice, Frieda, Brenda and Karen, for enabling Smitty to die in peace and with dignity. Smitty was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret) Johnson Henry Smith; her parents; her beloved Nana and Granddad; and her nephew, David. Survivors: Daughter, Sandra Mary "Sandy" Smith; brother, EW Smith (Billye); niece, Diana Dale Smith; great-niece, Jennifer Dale Dossett; and many comrades and friends. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Town and Country Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 1352, Burleson, Texas76097 or any animal rescue group of your choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arline Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.