Leora Elizabeth Smith, née Gross, 88, passed in the afternoon hours of September 11th, 2025. She passed in peace, surrounded by her loving family, at her home in Melba, Idaho. Leora was born on September 17th, 1936, in Florence, Colorado, to Oscar and Ruth Gross. From Colorado, Leora's family moved to Medford, Oregon, before ultimately settling down in Melba, Idaho. Leora attended Melba High School for a couple of years before obtaining her GED in Tamarack.

While living in Melba, Leora met and later married the love of her life, Edward "Eddie" Faye Smith. The couple tied the knot in Kuna, Idaho, on October 10th, 1954. Leora and Eddie built a beautiful life together and welcomed their three children into the world—Rebecca, Janice, and Edward Jr. The family then moved to Banks, Idaho, where they operated Val and Marie's Texaco Station for about 15 years. Aside from her occasional visits to the shop, Leora primarily served as a homemaker and a mother to her three children. In that time, the family nurtured friendships with their neighbors and fellow community members that lasted throughout their lifetime. While the family enjoyed their time in Banks, Eddie and Leora always felt a draw for the Melba Valley and ultimately returned to live out their retirement together. Leora and Eddie spent 42 years together before Eddie passed, unexpectedly, in the summer of 1997.

Leora loved the outdoors and could reliably be seen taking her daily stroll with her dog, Libby, until shortly before her passing. She also drew great fulfillment in working with her hands, whether it be tending to her raspberry patch, cultivating her garden, or building birdhouses from the beautiful stones and wood that her grandsons brought her. Most important to Leora was her love for her grandchildren—Jennifer, Colter, and Cooper. She took great joy and pride in watching them grow into wonderful adults. While Leora wasn't at home, she could be found worshipping at the Melba Friends Church or visiting with the friends and family that blessed her life.

Leora is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ruth Gross; brothers Raymond and Carl Gross; sisters Viola Case and Margie Gross; daughter Rebecca "Becky" Smith; and her loving husband, Eddie Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Fleming; granddaughter, Jennifer Fleming; son, Ed Jr. Smith (wife Kerrie); and grandsons, Colter Smith (wife Sierra) and Cooper Smith (wife Mackenzie).

A graveside service will be held by Zeyer Funeral Chapel on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at 11am, in the Melba Cemetery (7277 Base Line Road, Melba, Idaho 83641). Her pallbearers will be Colter and Cooper Smith, Michael Williams, and Chris Korrel. Her honorary pallbearers are Larry Korrel and Steve Hager. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at the Melba Valley Senior Center (115 Base Line Road, Melba, Idaho 83641). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Melba Valley Senior Center. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice for their hard work and assistance throughout the end of Leora's life.