Evelyn Myda Smith

Evelyn Myda Smith passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21. She was 89 years old. Graveside services were held on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020 at Littlefield Memorial Park. Services were under the care of Hammons Funeral Home.

Myda was born on June 23, 1931 in Consort, Alberta, Canada to Henry and Glenna Halverson. Her childhood was interrupted by events beyond her control and she left Canada with her mother when she was 13 years old.

For many months, they weaved their way through the United States, often dependent on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter, until one fateful stop in Littlefield, Texas. There, Myda decided her journey was over while her mother continued on. Through the Salvation Army Church she met Ruben and Wren Smith and not long after, she became smitten with their youngest son Charles. The two were married, on a KVOW radio broadcast, on June 18, 1947.

Soon after marrying, the newlyweds ventured to California. It was not quite what they imagined and after their return Myda would call Littlefield home for the next 73 years. Their first son, Clifford was born after they returned from California. Being a family of three suited them for a while, but when they decided to expand, boys came in quick succession with Charles followed by Glenn then Terry. Being the mother of four boys was its own kind of adventure, but one Myda relished.

While her family was growing up she worked a variety of jobs before settling in as a switchboard operator for General Telephone Company. She retired in 1988 after 37 years of service.

As a grandmother, Myda cherished having a houseful of grandkids. The majority of them were boys, so her house was loud, hot and often smelly. But none of that bothered her. She would say that all she needed was for them to give her a kiss and hug when they arrived and then they could play with their cousins the rest of the time. The memories of food, fun and love are what her grandchildren cherish most today.

In her free time, Myda loved to garden. Her childhood in Canada gave her an appreciation for flowers and foliage not normally grown in West Texas. She could grow anything from cacti to rose bushes to Aspen trees. Her yard was a masterpiece and her love of gardening has been passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was also a wonderful cook who made countless meals for her family and anyone else who might drop in. Many mornings her kitchen was abuzz with friends who yearned for a cup of coffee and some friendly conversation.

Myda was known for her striking silver hair and impeccable sense of style. But it was her compassion for others that made her beauty shine so bright. Myda knew firsthand the importance of helping those in need. Countless times she opened her home to friends and family who needed a little extra help. Giving was second nature to her because she knew the impact it could make in people’s lives.

Myda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Darryl; her husband Charles; and heartbroken by the deaths of two grandsons, Jason in 1977 and Andrew in 1985.