Snoopy and Alta Smith: 65 years of love, adventure and generosity

Snoopy (Willis) and Alta (Dyer) Smith married on June 3, 1961.

Snoopy was a young officer stationed at McChord Air Force Base and Alta was finishing her education degree at Puget Sound College when he called her number trying to track down someone he knew.

Snoopy immediately was attracted to Alta’s voice and asked her out on a date. After their first date in what is now the Proctor District of Tacoma, Alta knew that she felt a spark that wouldn’t be replicated with anyone else.

Soon, she said yes when Snoopy asked her to marry him and the adventure began.

Two daughters (Stacy Ridgley and Kelly Smith Johnston) and four grandchildren (Chris Ridgley, Lydia Ridgley, Kyla Johnston and Samantha Johnston) joined the adventure that so far has encompassed Snoopy’s 21-year military career over three continents, Alta’s service as both a special education teacher and an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, and travel to 21 countries, 50 states, six continents and every Major League Baseball stadium.

They’ve shared love, laughter and tears with family and friends that became part of the Smith tribe. Heartache misses no one, and their adventure had low points and pain points that they navigated together and emerged stronger.

Snoopy and Alta are known for their generosity and community spirit.

In their time in Centralia, they’ve served on boards for the United Way, Love INC and Valley View. They’ve been faithful donors to many organizations they hold dear, including the Fox Theatre, Boys & Girls Club and multiple local arts organizations.

Their home is a warm refuge for many and their table has hosted innumerable guests who enjoy Alta’s delicious meals and their mutual hospitality.

Please join us in celebrating 65 years of marriage and the love they’ve shared with each other and all those around them.

A reception in their honor is being held at the Centralia United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. Bodega is catering. Friends are invited to stop by and celebrate with us.

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