Patsy “Coleen” Smith passed June 1st, 2018.

Coleen was born January 5th, 1939 to Vernon and Reba Stewart in Petaluma, CA.

Coleen was married young and raised three sons and one daughter. In 1971, she married Ray Smith. He taught her how to drive a logging truck. In 1973, they moved to Eureka, where they owned their own trucking company.

In 1978, they moved to Garberville, where they began working for Nolan Trucking. Mom soon learned that driving a lumber truck was a lot easier and began traveling the paved roads of California.

Coleen loved to fish for salmon with her brother Jerry on the Smith River. She also loved gardening and would raise the most beautiful flowers. She was very proud of her green thumb.

In 2014, Coleen suffered a massive stroke, where she suffered paralysis along her entire right side, including her speech. Although she couldn’t walk or talk she was still a vibrant woman.

Coleen is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Reba Stewart, her son Vernon Graham, Grandson Jeremy Riley and sister in law Marlene Stewart.

Coleen is survived by her sons Robert Riley, Jeff Graham, daughter Theresa Riley, step son Clint Smith, Brother Jerry Stewart, Sister LaRee Lowery, Granddaughters Brittney Riley (Pat McMillian), Jessica Riley, Valerie Graham, Crystal McCoy, Grandson Travis Graham and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday June 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Fortuna Cemetery District, 3315 Newburg Rd., Fortuna.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Coleen Smith’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.