Barbara (Collins) Smith

Barbara Dianne Smith was born March 4, 1941, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to John M. Collins and Anne Marie Collins (Kaempf).

Barbara graduated from Kimball High School in 1959. After graduation, she married and had three children. Barbara moved out west where she met and married her current husband, Larry Smith, in 1976. Settling in Idaho Falls, she found her many passions all included people! She began her career as the Program Director for Alcohol and Rehabilitation Association. Barbara went on to serve as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Idaho Department of Corrections and was a Pre-Sentence Investigator. After moving to Arizona, she worked for the Department of Corrections at Perryville Prison as a Family Assistance Counselor. Barbara then went on to work at Palo Verde Nuclear Station as a Senior Specialist in Access Control/Badging, and then an Administration Specialist in the Nuclear Materials Department. During her successful career accomplishments, she was awarded and received many certificates and accolades.

Barbara had a passion for travel! Not fond of flying, her chosen method was RVing! She and her husband, Larry, spent their spare time traveling across the country. In the early days of pre-retirement, the travel was business and pleasure. Barbara’s love of antiques and American Art Pottery grew so they started an antique business. This passion took them to many places and they made friends along the way. Many would become life-long friendships.

Barbara’s other traveling passion was attending Bluegrass Festivals with her husband. Her love of the music was always evident. As much as she loved the music, it was the company of her friends she enjoyed the most. For many years, she also enjoyed volunteering as a Pylon Judge at the Reno Air Races. Barbara’s love of quilting earned her numerous ribbons.

Barbara enjoyed countless events with her family, from campouts to birthday and holiday get-togethers. She loved her family with all her heart!

Barbara spent the last few years enjoying the benefits of the simple life on her “Tiny Farm” in Rigby, with enough room for her family and friends to visit.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Larry Smith of Rigby, ID; daughter, Julie (Tim) Keeling of Mesa, AZ; son, Jim (Jolee) Vincent of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Steven Vincent of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Kathleen (Frank) Tuft of Mccall, ID; brother, Jon (Jan) Collins of Mexico; and one grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter-in-law, Debbie Vincent.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. Burial will be Monday, July 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Richmond Cemetery.