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Mildred "Micki" Smith, 72, passed away in her Delano, Wash., home the morning of Thursday, December 19, 2013, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Micki was born May 16, 1941, in Yakima, Wash., to Richard and Carol Sipe. She was the oldest of four siblings.

Having first met in George, Wash., a 20-year-old Micki married Lloyd W. Smith (Smitty) on November 22, 1961. Micki worked alongside her husband as business owners for many years. They lived in various cities and states before settling in the Olympia area and running a family-operated cafeteria in the State Capitol Building. Eventually Micki and Smitty saw business opportunities in the Grand Coulee Dam area and in 1982 opened concessions and a souvenir shop inside the local Visitors Arrival Center. After living in the area seasonally every summer for many years, they decided to make the Grand Coulee area their permanent residence in 1995, continuing to operate the business until 2004.

Micki was extremely close to her kids and grandkids, having many house-filled weekends of laughter and games, crafts, cooking and above all – "Love". A woman of many talents and hobbies. Micki enjoyed beading, woodworking, sewing, bird-watching and gardening. About 10 years ago, with the companionship of her loving friends, she started into quilting, soon becoming a devoted quiltmaker, winning many ribbons for her new passion. All of Micki's family and friends will surely miss her caring, loving heart and great enthusiasm. She will be remembered with much love and admiration.

Micki was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd W. Smith; daughter Teresa A. Ragan; father Richard A. Sipe; mother Carol Fillinger; stepfather Clarence Fillinger and stepmother Velma Sipe.

She is survived by her son Ernie Smith; two daughters: Sherri Young and Jerri Smith; stepson Leslie Smith; brothers: Richard Sipe and Larry Fillinger and sister Teddy Weaver; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

 At her request, cremation has taken place with a private gathering to occur at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to sign Micki's on-line register book at http://www.mem.com. Sticklin Funeral Chapel of Centralia, Wash., is honored to be assisting Micki's family.