Snoopy (Willis) and Alta Smith met when he was stationed at McChord Air Force Base and she was studying at the University of Puget Sound. He called for her roommate, but when Alta answered the phone, he asked her out because he liked the sound of her voice. They were married in Tacoma on June 3, 1961. Snoopy’s career in the Air Force moved them a lot, and Alta happily followed him to Japan and Germany as well as many different stateside bases. In the process, they instilled in their two daughters (Stacy Ridgley and Kelly Smith Johnston) a great love for travel.
When Snoopy retired, they returned to their roots in the Pacific Northwest where Snoopy worked in county government while Alta taught special education. Once their daughters left home, they set off on a new adventure. This time, Snoopy followed Alta as she attended Seminary in Colorado and then pastored two United Methodist churches, finishing in Centralia.
Everywhere they lived, they have been beloved members of their community through their generosity and caring. They enrich those who encounter them through their example of service and gratitude.
In retirement, Snoopy and Alta combined their love of travel and baseball to visit stadiums all over the country as well as visiting many foreign countries. Together they have visited all 50 states and spanned the globe.
When they are at home, they love spending time from birthday trips to family dinners with their four grandchildren (Chris and Lydia Ridgley and Kyla and Samantha Johnston).
