Sep. 27, 1923 - Aug. 3, 2015
Rosemary Elizabeth Smith was born September 27, 1923, in Muncie, Indiana to Eric A. and Velma E. (Zelinger) Boettcher. When she passed away August 3, 2015, Carson City and the State of Nevada lost one of their brightest “Points of Light”. She was a role-model of community service throughout her life, and was recognized as such by former Governor Gibbons in 2008 as a finalist in his “Points of Light” program. She and former Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki became fast friends over the eight years she helped serve chili at his “Chili Feed” every Nevada Day. The banquet rooms of the Carson City Nugget overflowed with Nevada’s residents, and they all loved being served chili by Rosemary. She was so short she could barely see over the chafer and tended to scoop up very generous servings of chili. Rosemary was a died-in-the wool Republican and served with distinction for many years as Chaplain for the Nevada Federation of Republican Women, giving invocations, benedictions and remembrance services at their State Board Meetings and Conventions. She was also very active in the Carson City Republican Women’s Club for over 25 years, and held the offices of President and Parliamentarian among other positions. Her love of politics was recognized by former Governor Miller when he commissioned her as a member of “The Silver Haired Legislative Forum for the State of Nevada.” Among her many awards, in 2011 she received recognition and appreciation for her 27 years of service to the R.S.V.P. Program. She also received the News 4 and Wells Fargo Bank “Jefferson Award for Public Service” which is awarded to ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward. For over 26 years Rosemary was and active member of the Carson Tahoe Hospital Auxiliary, and was President of the local Auxiliary as well as State President in 2002. She was also and active member of The Leisure Hour Club, one of Nevada’s oldest continuously operating service clubs having been established in Carson City in 1896, and served as its President as well. Rosemary loved every minute of being known as “the shortest and oldest” volunteer officer on Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong’s staff. She proudly wore her uniform for six years before becoming ineligible to continue due to needing a cane for mobility.
It’s no wonder she received a letter from former President George Bush congratulating her on receiving “The President’s Volunteer Service Award” from The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. She epitomized the meaning of “service”. Rosemary was predeceased in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Arthur W. Smith. She is survived by her niece, Robin Boettcher Quarantra of Maricopa, AZ, nephew, Robert Boettcher of Watertown, WI, and
innumerable friends. An active member of her Church, her devotion was a reflection of her own deep faith. A Celebration of her life, a life well lived, will be held at The Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 1837 Mountain Street, Carson City, NV 89703, on August 20th at 5:00pm., followed by a reception at 6:00pm., in their Fellowship Hall. It was Rosemary’s wish that any memorial donations be made to her Church. To sign the online guestbook go to
www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com
