Radnor Smith was a florist and greenhousman in Williston, North Dakota most of his life. In 1946, after his mother had died, he and his wife Pearl decided to move to Kennewick, Washington. The reason for this move reportedly was to be near their daughter RaDora, her husband George Oelkers, and his new grandson Richard. Also, Pearl's brother Howard Laird was already living and working in the Tri-cities area.
Tri-cities was a booming economic area in those days, due largly to the buildup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation at Richland, Washington.
Prior to their move to Kennewick, their youngest child, Richard Smith came out earlier to start school at the beginning of the school year. Radnor also dismantled his greenhouse and sent it by train to their new home. However, prior to their move, Radnor suffered a serious heart attack. As a result, he could not contine in his occupation and the greenhouse was sold shortly after it arrived in Kennewick.
Radnor spent the remainder of his years in semi-retirement. He worked as a salesman for Watkins products. He and Pearl also owned two rental houses, one of which was given to Richard just after he married Beverly in 1957. Richard and his wife lived in that house at least through 1998.1
azel Antoinette Rhode
November 15, 1938 - August 24, 2021
Richland, Washington - Hazel A. Rhode, born November 1938, passed away on August 24th 2021. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, James (Jim) Rhode; her parents, E. Bert Laird and Ameretta Ransier; and brother Frank Laird.
She is survived by her children; James (Jay) Rhode Jr. and his found family, John Rhode, wife Jill, and their two sons Daniel & Dimitri; Jackie Leggett, and her son & daughter Baylee & Kendra.
Her funeral will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home at 1401 South Union St. in Kennewick, WA on September 16th at 11 am, preceded by a viewing from 9 am to 11 am. Following that we will relocate to the Veterans Memorial at Desert Lawn Memorial Park on 10th & Union for the final graveside portion of the funeral service.
The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.
Published by Tri-City Herald from Sep. 8 to Sep. 12, 2021.3