Kam Elene Smith

Kam Elene Smith, age 67, of Glendale, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends on July 4, 2025.

Kam will be buried next to her late husband at Wilderville Cemetery on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., with Followers of Christ conducting a graveside service.

She was born Kam Elene Dunlap to Eldon Emmit “Bud” and Arlene Dunlap on August 12, 1957, in Oregon City, Oregon. Kam has one brother, Perry James, six years younger. At the suggestion of her family, Kam wrote her own obituary and shared her strong faith as her lasting legacy.

Kam’s life in her own words: “I had a wonderful childhood and adolescence, living on a farm and even had a horse. I married my childhood sweetheart, Gary Clark Smith. Gary carried my books at school; I was 12 he was 14. We got married in 1975; I was 17 he was 19. Two years later we had our beautiful daughter, Emma Kay. Leaving Oregon City, we had many marvelous adventures building in Colorado and Oklahoma and traveled around the U.S. driving horse truck. We were blessed with our son, Jes James, and moved to Grants Pass in 1984.

God brought us to the Brethren to be part of and raising our family as Followers of Christ. Jes married Laura Mae in 2003; they had my grand-boys, Rannon James and Fallon Jay…apples of my eye. Emmy married Cody Wayne in 2015. I’ve witnessed many amazing things. The most precious Preachers being called, Elders and Deacons being ordained, the church being healed and renewed; I even got to see my children baptized, the highlight of my life. My girls, Emmy and Laura really stepped up and helped me through the tough times. I am content and at peace. God bless, Amen.”