Gwendolyn Lou Smith, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Palm Springs. She was born to Harry and Edna Laird on Oct. 26, 1927.

Gwen attended Coachella Valley Union High and later attended Woodbury University where she met her beloved husband, Robert. Gwen was an accomplished artist and musician. She volunteered (USO) during WWII. She also volunteered for more than 20 years at local thrift shops. Her 61 years of married bliss resulted in three children. Gwen is survived by her husband, Robert; children Ron, Greg, Terisa and foster son Jim; and grandchildren Diana, Lisa, Paul, Isaac and Erin. Gwen will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A celebration of her life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Wiefels Palm Springs Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of choice.

“Brighten someone’s day and bring a smile to their face; Gwen would like that,” said her family.

Similar Posts

  • Obituary: Erik Olsen

    Erik Charles Olsen, 47, of Leucadia, died Monday, April 16, 2007 in Los Angeles. He was born Dec. 15, 1959 in New York City to Dr. and Mrs. Charles Robert Olsen. He grew up in Idyllwild and always had a love for the San Jacinto Mountains. He attended elementary school at the former UCLA’s Madeline…

  • Obituary: A. D. Moneysmith

    A.D. “Slim” Moneysmith, 80, of Idyllwid, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2004. He was born in 1924 in Knoxville, Iowa. Mr. Moneysmith had been an electrician and was a 15-year resident of Idyllwild. He belonged to the Idyllwild Lions Club, the American Legion Post 800 Honor Guard, the San Diego Asebring Drivers (founding members), the Sports…

  • Obituary: James D. Malott

    James D. Malott, the beloved toymaker for Toys Wood ‘N Dreams, died Friday, May 22, at Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center in Fontana. His wife, Rosemarie Malott, is owner of the toy store in the Fort. Mr. Malott was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Marion, Ind. Prior to moving to Idyllwild in 1985, the couple owned an…

  • Obituary: Ernestine Appy Wilder

    Ernestine Appy Wilder, a longtime resident of Idyllwild, died in Palm Desert on June 12. Friends and family will remember her warmth, graciousness and sense of fun. Though born in New York in 1912, she grew up in Glendora and attended the University of Southern California. She married Harold Wilder in 1933 and raised two…

  • Obituary: Marilyn Kramer

    Marilyn Jo-an Kramer, 72, of Pine Cove, went to be with her loving father, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 11, 2006 in Moreno Valley. She was born to Wilburn and Mae Brewer on June 22, 1933 in Pasadena. After being an accomplished musician at a very young age, she met and married the love of…