December 12, 1925 - March 07, 2018
Millie Smith Rotchford, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in her home at the Rockwood South, Spokane. Millie was born in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, and grew up in both Washington and Oregon State. She attended Yakima High School followed by Oregon State University and Washington State University. Millie earned a degree in Education and was an active member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After graduating, Millie moved to Brown's Addition in Spokane and became the Program Director of the YWCA. She married the late Judge Del Cary Smith, Jr. and together they raised three children: Del, Sara and Charlene. Millie remained active in teaching and became a faculty member of Lewis and Clark High School teaching Special Education, Economics, Sociology and Washington State History. Additionally, she was a counselor and coached the varsity girls tennis team. During her summers Millie rode her bicycle to and from Morning Star Boys Ranch where she also taught. She continued her education during night school earning Masters and Doctoral degrees in Education at Gonzaga University. Millie was an active volunteer in the Spokane community at the Cheney Cowles Museum, Wampum, the Hutton Settlement and the Spokane Junior League. She served as President of the following organizations: Spokane League of Women Voters, Spokane County Bar Auxiliary and the Spokane Book Club. Millie also enjoyed Co-Chairing the Decorating Committee for the Spokane Champagne Ball. Millie married a second time to Dr. John (Jack) Rotchford of Spokane. After retiring they enjoyed summers at their home in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Millie volunteered with the Haystack Rock Conservation Program giving educational tours. Millie pursued many interests including sports, needle arts, reading, cooking, gardening, antiquing, traveling, birding and dogs. She had a passion for nature, Native American culture and history. Millie became a master gardener volunteering at the Manito Park Conservatory. Her son Del Cary Smith III, died in 2013 and son-in-law Bradford Perkins in 2008. Millie is survived by her daughters, Sara Smith Perkins and Charlene Smith Conde; her granddaughter Marit Perkins; and her son-in-law Santiago Conde. Her family would like Millie remembered as "A Giving Person To All". The family gives a special thank you to Horizon Hospice of Spokane and all of Millie's home care givers. A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Manito Park, 4 West 21st Avenue, Spokane, Washington 99203.
