Barbara Smither

Barbara Ann Smither was born on May 3, 1944, on the side of the road five miles east of Tulelake, Calif. She was the sixth of 10 children and the last of her siblings to pass away.

She died on April 25, 2026.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John Robert Wilson and Edith Dorothy Wilson; her husband, Dennis “Cap” Smither; and her oldest son, Keith “Buck” Kreiter.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Mark Scott, and his wife, Catheleen Scott; her grandchildren, Mark Scott Jr., Halie Scott Frazier and her husband, Chris Frazier, Lacie Scott, Christopher Scott and Audrey Schlotter; her great-grandchildren, Briella Scott and Gracie Frazier, who were the joy of her life; and her many nieces and nephews, who knew her as Aunt Bobbie, Aunt B, or Aunt Babs, and who she remained closely connected to throughout her life.

Barbara was raised in a family that knew hard work well and she became the first to earn a high school diploma. She worked as a waitress and later at the IRS while living in Fresno, Calif., raising her boys.

After marrying Dennis “Cap” Smither, they moved to their ranch in Mariposa. Barbara worked as a Supply Technician at Yosemite National

Park until her retirement, after which she and Cap made their home in Nevada.

She took great pride in working alongside Cap on the ranch. Together, they grew and canned their own food, raised animals and built a life rooted in hard work, resilience and family. Barbara loved her sons deeply and was incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

Barbara loved to travel and seek out adventure. She once described herself as “quiet and wild” during her teenage years and she carried that same spirit throughout her life.

Later in life, Barbara and Cap traveled the world together, embracing new places, experiences and the freedom they had worked so hard to earn.

Barbara also cherished time spent with family and friends, sharing stories, playing cribbage and enjoying a good cocktail. These moments, filled with laughter and connection, were among her most treasured.

In 2019, Barbara moved to Spokane, Wash., to be closer to her son and grandchildren. Around that time, her beloved dog Orio came into her life, becoming her constant companion and dearest friend.

Barbara loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Through them, her love, strength and memory will live on.

A viewing was held at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, Calif., on May 11, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. A graveside service was held on May 12, 2026, at Clovis Cemetery District, 305 N. Villa Ave. in Clovis.