----Source: STAR NEWS, May 12, 1999

Bernice Smith (1918 - 1999)
 

Bernice Ruth Smith, 80, of the Town of Hoard, died Saturday, May 8, at Memorial Hospital in Medford. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 11, at Maurina Funeral Home in Owen with Rev. Paul Petersen officiating.

Burial was held in Riverside Cemetery in Withee. Pallbearers were Rick, Tom, Randy, and Jerald Hamm, and Joel and Shaun Peterson.

The former Bernice R. Hamm was born November 1, 1918, in the Town of Hoard, rural Owen, to Fred and Elsie (Smith) Hamm. She received her education at the Hoard Center School and Owen High School. Her marriage to Milford W. Smith took place on June 11, 1949, in Greenwood. They later divorced.

After receiving her education, she moved to Chicago where she did domestic work. During World War II, she returned to Owen and was employed with Master Package. Following their marriage, she and her husband farmed in the Town of Hoard and later owned and operated a trucking business. She retired in 1977. She enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandra (Robert) Peterson of Owen one brother, Harold Hamm of Owen three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents a son, Duane in February 1968 and three brothers, Raymond, Robert and Harry Hamm.