Rowena Rae Smith 91 of Atascadero passed away on January 17, 2024, at Ingleside Skilled Nursing Facility after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Rowena was born June 1, 1932, in San Jose, Ca.  She was the only child born to Jess & Kathleen Regli.  The family moved to Salinas where her dad was the Baseball Coach at Hartnell College, and her mother worked for Monterey County as an auditor. It was at Hartnell College where she met the love of her life, Don.  They married July 20, 1952, at the Presbyterian Church in Salinas. Don worked for P.G. & E. This is where the adventures began with starting their life, living in Soledad First, on to King City, Monterey, Solvang, Salinas and Atascadero. Rowena became an Antique Dealer and refinisher of her findings.  She would buy the dirtiest piece of furniture and turn it into a beautiful piece-she was meticulous.  She refinished furniture for many folks around Salinas and Atascadero-She even restored a piano.  She was quite talented.  She was an excellent cook and seamstress; she designed 2 wedding gowns.

Rowena was a member of the Vaqueros women's riding club, 4-H Leader, Church member, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Pink Lady for Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Elks Camping Group, for which they traveled extensively through California and Arizona.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Don Smith of the family home; daughters, Kathie (Pierre) Camsuzou of San Miguel, Mikel Ann (Lynn) Miller of King City; grandsons, Jason (Amy) Aschle of Paso Robles, Christopher (Christina) Miller of Arizona, Curtis (Nicole) Miller of Oceano, Kyler (Kayla) Monares of Arizona, and 8 great grandchildren.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., March 2, 2024, at the United Methodist Church 11605 El Camino Real Atascadero, Ca. 93422

Donations may be made to your favorite charity.

For additional information, contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400.