Janice Marlene (Edwards) Smull Obituary (1938 - 2020)

Janice Marlene (Edwards) Smull, 82, of Baker City, died peacefully at home, Aug. 25, 2020. There will be a viewing Friday, Aug. 28, at Gray's West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Her graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. There will be an outdoor celebration of life to follow at 3 p.m. at the home of Danna and Floyd Morgan, 36996 Highway 245 (Unity and Sumpter Junction). Janice was born on June 21, 1938, to John Leonard and Zena Beryl (Lewis) Edwards in Baker City. She was the first child born, 2 years before her brother, Gene Dennis "Denny" Edwards. She attended Baker City schools and was very active in high school clubs: National Honor Society, vice president, Girls League, Nugget, Pep Club, Drill Team, Tri-Hi-Y, Choir Namater, Quill and Scroll, Makeup Crew, Banquet Co-Chairman, and Sports Princess. This is where she met her future husband, George Smull. They were married on Nov. 9, 1956, for 26 years. After graduation, Janice went to Radiation Technician school in Portland, Oregon. But school soon had to be put on hold as she and George were blessed with five children, Danna, Celeste, Dale, Christopher "Cas" and Molly. Janice enjoyed working as a swimming teacher and lifeguard during her children's early years. After Molly's second birthday, Janice went back to school in Caldwell, Idaho, and received her Radiation Technician Certification in 1970. She went to work at St. Elizabeth Hospital and retired, May 10, 2000, with 39 years of service. She was also honored with a room dedicated to her for over 35 years of serving Baker City residents. She spent time in retirement caring for her mother, Zena, visiting her three times a day. She enjoyed playing bridge with her mother and their friends at the Golf Course and the homes of bridge club members. She won the Millie Heizer award in 2017 and in 2018 she began teaching people how to play bridge. She played three weeks ago, earning high score with her partner, Danae Simonski, at Duplicate Bridge. She enjoyed recording family history and events through photography. She loved to travel when she could and being involved in Baker City events and organizing class reunions. It was at one of the class reunions that she re-connected with a former classmate, Bill Moragne. Bill and Janice enjoyed spending time together from that point on. Janice had many special friends and valued their friendships immensely. She had a big heart and was always ready to lend a hand. At Thanksgiving, the family would often find an extra place at the holiday table for those at work who didn't have a place to go. She leaves her family (five generations) remembering her gentle spirit, generosity, and big hugs. Survivors include her brother, Denny (Gerry) Edwards of Hermiston; daughter, Danna (Floyd) Morgan of Baker City, daughter, Celeste (Vance) Bennett of Nevada, son, Dale Smull of Durkee, daughter, Molly Smull of Baker City, daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Dan) Axness of Boise; seven grandchildren, Corey Smith of Baker City, Beamus, Cooper and Duncan Bennett of Nevada, Jared (Amanda) Smull of Durkee, Jillona (Danny) Frangipani of Scappoose, and Raina Smull of Portland; six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Zena Edwards; mother-in-law, Daisy; her former husband, George; her daughter-in-law, Sharry Smull; and her son, Christopher, and his son, her grandson, Lance. In lieu of flowers, Janice asked that donations be made to Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre for the renovation of the Orpheum Theatre through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. To light a candle in memory of Janice or to leave a condolence for the family, go to www.grayswestco.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Orpheum Theatre Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre Project through Gray's West & Co., 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Oregon 97814.