Mrs. Shasta Montgomery Smith

Shasta Montgomery Smith passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2011. She was 82. Mrs. Smith was born on September 25, 1928. Her family was often on the move, as her father was a government civilian career employee. Following high school, she entered Duke University, where she academically excelled. She graduated from Duke in 1950, earning the prestigious distinction of Phi Beta Kappa. Following graduation, Mrs. Smith was employed as an information analyst with the United States Government. She pursued this career in Washington D.C., and later in an assignment to Teheran, Iran, where she was assigned to the U.S. Embassy. It was during this assignment that she met her future husband, then Captain Herbert H. Smith, who at the time was an advisor to the Iranian Army (during the reign of the former Shah of Iran). Following their return to the USA, Shasta Montgomery and Captain Smith were united in marriage in 1960. She and her husband enjoyed many and varied assignments during his military career, including two tours in Kansas, two in Washington D.C. and their favorite of all, twice assigned to the US Southern Command in Panama. During this overseas assignment, Mrs. Smith continued her career as a US Government employee. Following Colonel Smith’s retirement in 1974, she and her husband returned to Asheville, NC, which was his last childhood home. They built their lovely retirement home off Beaver Dam Road in West Asheville, in what they later named “Casa del Valle” (Home in the Valley). Mrs. Smith then began a second career in residential real estate, working as a sales and listing agent with several prominent Asheville firms. Following her retirement in 1995, she began a more relaxed life style, traveling extensively with her husband and former military friends to many interesting locations abroad. She became an avid gardener and enjoyed the natural beauty of the mountains and wooded areas surrounding her home. While stationed in Panama in 1963, a lovely lady entered their lives when the Smiths employed Lydia de la Cruz as their housekeeper. Lydia remained with the Smiths during their subsequent military assignments, which included a return to Panama in the early 1970’s. Lydia continued her association with the Smiths after their retirement to Asheville, remaining in their home until the death of Mrs. Smith. In her 47 years spent with the Smiths, Lydia evolved into a genuine companion for both Mrs. Smith and her husband, traveling to Europe with Mrs. Smith on two occasions. She also beautified the home and property with lovely flowers and plants. In essence, Lydia became bonded to the Smiths like a daughter. Mrs. Smith was predeceased by her parents and her husband-Colonel Herbert Hugh Smith. The Smiths had no children, and as an only child, Mrs. Smith had no known direct descendants still surviving. She is survived by her lifelong housekeeper, companion, and dear friend, Lydia de la Cruz. Additional survivors include the extended family of Colonel Smith in the Asheville area, to include his sister, Kay Zachary and his niece, Judi Hagan. A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM, Monday April 25th, 2011, at Lewis Memorial Park where Mrs. Smith will be interred beside her husband. Colonel Ben Hamilton, wonderful friend of both Smiths during their military life will officiate. Visitors may gather at the home on Lynn Cove Road following the service. Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Mrs. Shasta Montgomery Smith

September 25, 1928 - April 21, 2011