Marilene Lavon Smith of Atascadero, Calif., was called home by our Heavenly Father, Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, while at Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton, Calif.

Born in North Platte, Neb., April 19, 1936, the only child to Bennie and Faetta (Feagins) Hemenway.

In February 1958, she moved to Norwalk, Calif. Where she worked at Metropolitan State Hospital and became a licensed Psychiatric Technician. In 1964, she transferred to Atascadero State Hospital. She continued her work as a Psychiatric Technician until she retired. Marilene was one of the first women to be employed at A.S.H. 

She met the love of her life, Lewis Hamilton Smith Jr., through friends at church. They married in July 1967. 

Marilene spent her life raising children, volunteering in the community, and giving of herself to those she loved and those in need. She found the greatest joy in life was doing for and giving to others. 

Marilene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Smith Jr., a son, Ralph Hemenway.

She is survived by a son, Larry (Valerie) Smith, a daughter, Laura Lou Cracchiolo, a son, Steven (Kim) Smith, a daughter, Stephanie Smith and a daughter, Colene (Tom) Little, 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, at The Church of Christ Northside in Atascadero at 1 p.m. with graveside service to follow at Pine Mountain Cemetery, Atascadero.

Memorial donations can be made to your local Loaves and Fishes.