Pamela Smith

Pamela Gayle Smith, 75, of Fillmore, Ca., passed away on June 28, 2024. Pam was born on February 1, 1949 in Morenci, Az. to Emil Kumer and Chiona Harrell. As a small child she lived in Bellflower, Ca., where, at the age of 5 years old, she had to have major heart surgery to correct a heart defect at the City of Hope hospital. After her recovery the family relocated to Bryant, IL. 

Pam graduated from Lewistown High School in 1967 and after her graduation she worked for Ozark Airlines in Peoria, IL. While working for Ozark Airlines, she met her future husband, Walter “Fred” Smith on a blind date. On July 12, 1969, Pam and Fred were married in Bryant, IL. The new couple relocated to Fred’s hometown of Fillmore, Ca. to start their life together and were happily married for 35 years until his death in 2004.

Pamela was known for her work ethic and enjoyed working. She worked for State Farm Insurance for 35 years until she retired. She and Fred bought La Flor Bonita Flower Shop in Fillmore in 1993. After Fred’s passing, she and her daughter Brandi ran the flower shop until it closed in 2009. After closing the flower shop, Pam continued to work as an office manager for an oil company in Ventura, Ca. She was known for her friendly personality and willingness to help others.

Pam loved to stay busy and was involved in several volunteer organizations throughout her years. She loved contributing to her community in any way she could. She volunteered with the Boy Scouts as a den mother and Fillmore Little League when her son Shane was a child. She spent time assisting Girl Scout troops for both her daughter Brandi and her granddaughters Jadinn and Harley. She also volunteered her time to the VFW, Fillmore Women’s Service Club and with the Fire Station for Elections. She always greeted people with a friendly smile and enthusiasm to serve her community.

In 2016 she met her partner Dana Wentling and they went on many adventures together. She enjoyed being out in the world with the people she loved. Pam was known for her friendly smile, warm hugs and ability to make conversations with everyone and anyone. She was loving and devoted to her family. She embraced many people throughout her years and was like a second-mother to many of her daughter and sons friends and a grandmother to their children. 

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Chiona Kumer, her step-mother Madge Kumer, her husband Walter “Fred” Smith, son Eric Smith and her sister Lynnea. She is survived by her daughter Brandi Smith-Gurrola (Crystal Gurrola), her son Shane Smith (Kit Smith), grandchildren Jadinn, Harley, Joshua, her partner Dana Wentling and her honorary son Will Christmas. Her siblings Lyle, Brenda, Brian, Max, Marcy and Marty and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Perez Family Funeral Home in Fillmore, Ca. Interment to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please donate to The City of Hope in Pam’s name, a place dear to her heart.