Wheeler resident, 89

Elizabeth Darlene Nesmith, 89, of Wheeler, died Monday, May 7, 2007, in Wheeler.

She was born April 28, 1918, in Newman Grove, Neb., to Ray and Millie (Chartraw) Lee.

She married James A. Nesmith in April 1938. He preceded her in death in 1991.

The couple established a family vending business in Orange County, Calif., where they worked until they retired in 1970. In 1991, Mrs. Nesmith moved to Seaside.

Family members said because of her love for cats, she became active at the local thrift shop raising money to spay and neuter animals.

Mrs. Nesmith is survived by a son, James A. Nesmith of Seaside; a daughter, Mary Hawes of Anza, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Gardena, Calif.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-City Spay & Neuter Thrift Shop, in care of Hughes-Ransom Cremation & Mortuaries, 220 N. Holladay Drive, Seaside, OR 97138.