Barbara Claire Smith

of Phoenix, Arizona, peacefully passed away on her birthday at her home of 50 years surrounded by family. She was born to Edward F. and Marcella Arn in Topeka, Kansas on July 10

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, 1934. She met the love of her life, Dr. Gaylord Smith, on a blind date in Denver, CO. They were married in April 1956. Instead of pursuing her nursing career, she dedicated her life to her family and was actively involved in her community. She was a fabulous cook, loved to entertain and was deeply devoted to her family. Her love of life and memories will live on through her children, Pam (Mike), Hap (Edwina), Deborah (Bill), Kevin (Vickie), 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and her sister, Dee (Gary). She will truly be missed. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2016 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in her memory should be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Arizona Humane Society Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85041.