Evelyn Gay Smith

Evelyn Gay Smith, a resident of Chino Valley passed away at the age of 64 years, on Saturday, September 2, 2006. After a  three year battle with breast cancer, with YRMC Hospice?s loving care through to the end. Evelyn was born on February 1, 1942 in Olean, New York; the daughter of Wilford J. Sr. and Audine (Hughes) Robbins.   Evelyn was united in marriage to Harley Kenneth Smith on April 11, 1959, in Phoenix. She was a housewife raising her 3 sons. Evelyn served as a foster parent for 19 years in California, where the first foster children were welcomed to their home in 1967. In 1976 her 4th natural son was born. The family moved to Chino Valley, in 1985 and continued with foster parenting. She was certified as a professional foster parent, in 1989. She continued caring for her foster children throughout her life. She was honored in April, 2004 with the Foster Parent of the Year Award, for all her outstanding achievements and accomplishments, by the Governor of Arizona.    Evelyn is survived by her husband, Harley Kenneth Smith; brother, Wilford J. Robbins,  Jr.; sister; Kay Finley; 15 children, 7 legal guardianships; 27 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Evelyn was loved by many and will be missed by all.   Throughout her life time she opened her home to well over 500 foster children. Evelyn?s opinions and recommendations on children were respected by all who she touched, be it judges, case workers or therapists.   Directions to the Church:    Coming from Phoenix - I 17 to 69.  69 to Fain Rd (there is a traffic light at this intersection).  Right on Fain Rd. which turns into Pioneer Parkway.   Pioneer Parkway to the Larry Caldwell exit.    Coming from Prescott/Chino Valley area - 89 to Pioneer Parkway.  East on Pioneer Parkway to the Larry Caldwell exit.  The address for the church is 2121 Larry Caldway, Prescott.