LAGRANGE – Amaryl R. (Long) Smith, 70, wife of Norman W. Smith, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus, her Savior, whom she loved and served faithfully, Nov. 30, 2008, at a Bangor hospital. Surrounded by family and friends who adored her, she left us peacefully after a courageous, 20-year battle with a blood disorder. She was born June 26, 1938, in Milo, the daughter of Robert W. and Margaret (Rhoda) Long. She was a lifelong resident of LaGrange. Amaryl graduated from Old Town High School in 1957. She married the love of her life, “Normie,” in June 1958, and was employed at Bangor Water District until 1960. She was a devoted, stay-home mom and helpmate to her husband, when in 1971 she became the postmaster relief at LaGrange Post Office. She worked at that part-time position until becoming postmaster in 1981. For 11 years she served her community in that capacity with a smile and a special candy drawer, which gained her many little friends. She retired in 1992. Amaryl lived a simple, fruitful life. People were always her priority. Her greatest joy was her family and she loved and served them selflessly. Every meal was a feast, earning her the title “best cook in the world” from her appreciative husband and grandchildren. Never idle, she worked tirelessly from sun up to sun down. She served joyfully at LaGrange Community Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and watched her face her disease with dignity and without complaint. Truly, she was a virtuous woman and prayer warrior and she will be greatly missed and longed for. In addition to her beloved husband of 50 years, Norman, of LaGrange, she is survived by her son, Jeffrey and his wife, Debra, of Caledonia, Miss.; a daughter, Doral Thomas and her husband, John, of Orrington; grandchildren, Joseph Smith of Virginia Beach, Va., Jessica McCraw and her husband, Damon, of Caledonia, Miss., Michael Smith of Bangor, Angela Criddle and her husband, Tranpas, of Steens, Miss., Kimberly Oakley of Bangor, Jacob Thomas, Luke Thomas, Faith Thomas, and Hope Thomas, all of Orrington; great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Keaton, Christopher, Raeven, Taylor, Cameron, Cole, Josiah and Matthew; many special brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Lary Funeral Home, Milo, where funeral services will be conducted noon Saturday, Dec. 6, with Pastor Ken Graves officiating and Ken Knightly assisting. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 or LaGrange Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 37, LaGrange, ME 04453. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
AMARYL R. SMITH
