Jerry Ellis Smith

Jerry Ellis Smith passed away on October 22, 2026, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, community service, and love for his family.

Jerry was born on April 6, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of five, his family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he spent his childhood and formative years. During his teenage summers, he returned to Kansas to stay with his cousins in Mound City, where he worked on their small dairy farm. Those early experiences helped shape his lifelong connection to agriculture.

Jerry attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in agriculture. In 1962, he and a friend moved to Oakville, Washington, to establish a dairy farm. That same year, he met Glenda Nelson, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. They married on May 18, 1963, and shared more than 63 years of marriage.

During his years as a dairy farmer, Jerry became actively involved in the agricultural community. He served as president of the Grays Harbor Dairy Association and was selected to participate in the AgForestry Leadership Program. This two-year program broadened his perspective on agriculture, leadership, and public policy, taking him to New York City, Washington, D.C., Russia, and Poland.

In 1985, Jerry transitioned from dairy farming to a new chapter in his career, joining a feed company in Puyallup, Washington. He was later transferred to Albany, Oregon, where he managed the company's feed store. When the Albany location closed in 1989, Jerry and Glenda relocated to Canby, Oregon, where they made their home.

Jerry continued to apply his agricultural knowledge and business experience, working with a software developer in Oregon City to create business management programs for agricultural operations. During the final ten years of his career, he was self-employed, specializing in payroll projects until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Jerry believed in the importance of giving back to his community. He generously volunteered his time, experience, and leadership to numerous organizations throughout Clackamas County. He served as Chair of the Clackamas County Economic Commission and contributed to the Clackamas Workforce Partnership, Clackamas Business Alliance, Mt. Hood Economic Alliance, Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences Board, and Clackamas County Farm Bureau. He also served two years on the Canby Utility Board.

Jerry's dedication to agriculture, economic development, and community service reflected his belief in working together to create opportunities and build stronger communities.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and civic involvement, Jerry was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda; his three children, Marten Smith, Kaleah LaRoche, and Judy Atkins; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Jerry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to service, and the many ways he contributed to the communities he called home. His life was one of purpose, perseverance, and dedication, and his legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Jerry's life on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Antonia Ballroom, located at 211 N Grant St, above the Backstop Restaurant in Canby, Oregon.

In honor of Jerry's lifelong dedication to agriculture and his community, memorial donations may be made to the Clackamas County Farm Bureau.