Mildred Lynn Smith

Mildred "Lynn" Smith, 71, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Friday evening, December 11, 2015, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born October 3, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Allan Atkinson and Edith "Mildred" Atkinson. Lynn grew up in Clarendon Hills, Ill., and attended Hinsdale High School. She graduated and went to Butler University and majored in English. She met Ryan, a fellow teacher, at Downers Grove High School. They married and moved on to graduate school together before settling in Waukesha, Wis., with their growing family. She moved to Bella Vista from Waukesha fifteen years ago after retiring as a high school guidance counselor, and became a treasured member of the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista. She had a gift with adolescents who regarded her as accepting, loving, and a friend. Lynn had a big and loving personality and was confident in her abilities. She loved crossword puzzles and working with her hands. She was a member of the Calico Cutups quilt club. She loved making baby quilts to give away, as well as Quilts of Valor. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ryan Smith, of Bella Vista, Ark., her daughter Heather (Michael) Craig of Chapel Hill, N.C., her son Gavin Smith of Bella Vista, Ark.; grandchildren Emeline, Josephine and Nathaniel; and her mother, Mildred Atkinson of Downers Grove, Ill. She will be so dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, 1880 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, Ark., 72715 on December 19, 2015 at 1 p.m. A Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Rev. Dennis Ritchie will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.