Ethelmae was born in Sacramento, CA. to Garrett and Maybelle Pylman. Her early years were spent on the Courtland ranch with her brothers, James and Robert, and sister Emeline. The family enjoyed their summers in Capitola, escaping from the heat of Sacramento. While in high school, she met the love of her life and her husband of sixty-six years, Ernie Smith. They were married on Valentine’s Day, which was her birthday, and continued to farm in the Sacramento area.
In 1952, they moved to Felton. It was here they raised their daughter, Karen. Ethelmae was active as a leader in Girl Scouts, a member of the Felton Presbyterian Church, and PTA in the San Lorenzo Valley Schools. She also was a fifty-year member of Eastern Star.
Ernie served in the San Lorenzo Valley Masonic Lodge, as well as in the Asiya Shriners. Ethelmae loved being his “first lady” and helped him plan meetings, dinners, and trips. They traveled to all fifty states, Australia, and Europe. When Ernie served as President of National Camping Travelers, he and Ethelmae planned a National Rally in Vallejo. They often included family on their travels through America. We fondly remember weekend trips to Cotillion Gardens as well as journeys to National Rallies in Wyoming, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. In 2007, Ernie passed away and Ethelmae moved to Village Green, Gilroy. Though she missed her husband dearly, she was able to make new friends while keeping the old.
Ethelmae is survived by her daughter, Karen Ann Crane (Steve), her grand daughter Diane Schmidt (Chris) and her grandson, Brian Crane. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Our family would like to thank the staff of Village Green where Ethelmae made her home. She enjoyed the activities, the security and the people who so lovingly cared for her.
On Thursday, August 6th, 2009, the summer sky was uncharacteristically awash in shades of gray and white with beams of sunlight accenting the hills. Our family believes Grandpa had made a “Welcome Home Sign” for Grandma.
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service to be held at Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA, on Friday, August 21st, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners’ Hospital are welcome.
