Vernetta Smith, right, meets with one of her third-grade classmates, Marie Haley, during a meeting focused on plans for the 100th anniversary of Ryderwood in 2023. Smith, who many will recognize as the namesake of the Timberland Regional Library in Chehalis, is one of the oldest former residents of Ryderwood.
I was born Feb. 19, 1923, in Banks, Oregon, the eldest of four children born to my parents, Merle and Frank May. My caring parents loved unconditionally and taught their children to have a strong work ethic, which has also been instilled in my children.
Although my parents had little formal education, reading and doing your best was always encouraged. I have always felt so blessed to have such wonderful parents and thank God daily for them and my children and their families.
My seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren give me much pleasure.
When I was 5 we moved to Ryderwood, a logging camp at a dead-end road in Lewis County where my father was employed as a logger. We lived a happy but simple life with few amenities.
I loved going to school, and I spent many hours checking out books in that little school library. I graduated from high school and received a scholarship for college, but with no other funds I was unable to attend.
In 1941, I married Curtis Smith and moved to Chehalis. He died in 1984. We had five children Orin, Michael, Mary Jo, Vicki and Kevin.
Mary Jo was born with a severe spinal defect and was never able to walk. She lived to age 14. The Chehalis School provided a tutor for Mary, which opened a new world for her. Our family learned so much from our beloved Mary.
I later had my home certified for child care. It provided extra income for me and companionship for Mary. I could not take her to the library, and I truly understand how helpful the drive-up up window and ADA ramp are to those who are handicapped.
Our family could not afford to buy books, and the library was used often. This was such a help to my children and instilled in them a desire to become better educated. I am so happy to have raised my children in Chehalis. They had a good education, earned scholarships to colleges, and were involved in athletics.
My career started after Mary died. After passing a state examination, I worked at the Chehalis Chamber of Commerce. Later I worked for the state of Washington at Green Hill School for 10 years.
I then transferred to Olympia, where I worked another 10 years as an executive administrator for juvenile rehabilitation and mental health agencies. I later married Walter Rickert in 1988. He was a wonderful husband, stepfather and grandfather. He died in 2010.
To be a part of the Chehalis Timberland Library is like a dream to me. To have my name on this library is something I could never have imagined. I thank the people of Chehalis and my wonderful children for this great honor.
Chehalis offered and still offers so much in every area — excellent schools, teachers, recreation, athletics, churches and much more.
God has been so good to me and my family. My faith in God sustains me. I have had difficult experiences and losses in my life, but the many God-given blessings and the love of family, friends and the community have remained primary in my life.
