Justine Alta Smith

Justine Alta was born on October 17, 1921 in Pittsford, Massachusetts to Murray and Mildred Raymond. Justine married Johnny Shelnutt in 1943 and they had three children, Robert, Carol and Scotty. The family moved to California in 1940. Johnny joined the military and while serving in the Korean War, Johnny passed away in 1950. Sixteen years later, Justine’s son Scotty was killed in a car accident. Justine herself was served in the United States Marine Corps as a sergeant and recruited other women. While out roller skating with friends, Justine met Edwin Smith and they married in 1953. They had a daughter, Robyn. After being honorably discharged for the military, Justine had several careers. She worked as a secretary for the director of the Tarzan series, was a real estate agent in California with “Red Carpet Realty” and then once she moved to Oregon in 1989 she owned and operated with her husband, “The Pony Express” office supply store in Salem and before retiring worked at Winco. Justine enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, volunteering as an ESL teacher, and working in the yard. She was a loving wife and mother, who dearly loved her family. Justine passed away on September 21, 2018 at her home in Idanha at age 97. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin in 2003 and is survived by her daughters Carol Shelnutt and Robyn (Larry) Johnson; 4 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; sister, Sabra Mattoon and 1 nephew. A special thank you goes to Willamette Valley Hospice for the love and care they gave Justine. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Service.